Mail with a sting in its tail
High resolution AQIS images are available
The detection of a package containing two live tarantulas and two live scorpions by Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) officers at Sydney’s international mail centre has led to the execution of search and seizure warrants by Customs and Border Protection investigators on a house in Doonside, NSW.
Customs and Border Protection investigations into the live import attempt began on Sunday 14 June when AQIS officers found the tiny travellers concealed within four film canisters in an undeclared package from Sweden.
The tarantulas were identified as being a rare species that is listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Australia is a signatory.
The import attempt was found to be in contravention of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) and the Quarantine Act 1908.
Customs and Border Protection investigators, with support from AQIS and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service officers, executed search and seizure warrants at the residential address in Doonside, where a number of specimen were found.
A 21-year-old woman has been interviewed by Customs and Border Protection investigators in relation to the import attempt.
Customs and Border Protection National Manager Investigations, Richard Janeczko, said while all animal smuggling was cruel, smuggling of endangered species was the worst kind of trade.
“In this case we have two very rare tarantulas and two young scorpions deliberately put into small containers and mailed across thousands of kilometres.
“As well as the pain and suffering caused to the animals, the activity can result in a maximum penalty of $110,000 and/or 10 years in gaol for the wildlife smuggler as a result of prosecution under the EPBC Act,” Mr Janeczko said.
AQIS Compliance and Investigations General Manager, Steve Prothero, said exotic species also posed a serious threat to our environment and agricultural industries.
“Illegal imports are a huge quarantine risk, potentially exposing native animals and plants to dangerous parasites and diseases – many of which haven’t been identified yet,” he said.
“Australian laws require all food, plant or animal material to be listed on the postal declaration label. AQIS screens all international mail using methods including detector dogs, x-ray and physical inspections.
“It is essential people familiarise themselves with our strict quarantine laws, especially if they’re ordering goods from overseas individuals or companies.
“The maximum penalty for failing to declare quarantine items or making a false declaration is $60,000 and up to 10 years in gaol,” Mr Prothero warned.
Media enquiries:
Customs and Border Protection Communication and Media: customsmedia@customs.gov.au or (02) 6275 6793.
AQIS – Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: Media or (02) 6272 3232.
Images of the tarantulas and scorpions are available for download from the media image gallery on the Customs and Border Protection website at www.customs.gov.au