Fish Smuggler's Fails To Skirt Customs

[mrmoshe]

Fish smuggler's fails to skirt customs

A woman who tried to smuggle live tropical fish concealed under her skirt was netted by Customs officers when they heard "flipping" noises coming from her waist.

Sharon Naismith, 45, was sentenced to nine months of community service for attempting to import regulated wildlife.

She had pleaded guilty to trying to smuggle 51 live tropical fish into Australia.

Customs officers searched Naismith on June 3, 2005, after hearing "flipping" noises coming from her waist at Melbourne Airport.

She had just flown in from Singapore.

The officers found 15 plastic water-filled bags holding fish, concealed in a custom made apron.

One of the fish, a $30,000 Asian Arowana, was an endangered species, while the others were catfish.

Customs later searched Naismith's house and found another five fish.

Australian Customs acting national manager of investigations Doug Nicoll said the sentence handed down reflected the seriousness of wildlife smuggling.

"Wildlife smuggling is a cruel practice, as many offenders ignore the health and wellbeing of the animals," Mr Nicoll said.

"Such animals can also be potential carriers of disease and harm the Australian fish industry.

"Customs encourages anyone who has information about the illegal importation or exportation of wildlife to contact the Customs Hotline on 1800 06 1800."