An Australian man was caught with two live pigeons stuffed in his trousers as he got off a flight from the Middle East, authorities said on Tuesday.
Customs officers body-searched the 23-year-old after he was allegedly found with two bird eggs in a vitamin container in his pocket during baggage checks at Melbourne Airport on Sunday.
“The man was taken to a private interview room and customs and border protection officers found he was wearing tights with a live pigeon concealed in each leg,” customs said.
The man, who had come off a 10-hour flight from Dubai, was also allegedly carrying plant seeds in a money belt and eggplant samples in his bag.
“Wildlife smuggling is not only cruel to the animals involved, it poses a severe risk to the Australian environment and to the health of the Australian community,” said Customs wildlife spokesperson Richard Janeczko.
The offences carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail and a $70 000 fine. — AFP