A woman has been sentenced to prison for smuggling over 62 tonnes of illegal and infected meat and produce from Thailand, which she intended to sell on Sydney’s black market. The Australian federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry received a tip-off from a confidential informant that led to the investigation.
The investigation revealed that the woman masterminded the importation of illegal pork, insect-infested fruits and vegetables, frog meat, and raw prawns by misrepresenting the nature of the products. She attempted to bypass biosecurity measures by providing false and misleading documentation.
Justine Saunders, Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity, Compliance and Operations, highlighted the significant risks her actions posed to Australia’s biosecurity, emphasizing that the country is free from many pests and diseases detrimental to agriculture and the environment elsewhere. She stated, “Our biosecurity officers work tirelessly to keep these pests out,” underscoring the efforts taken to protect Australia’s agricultural integrity.
The illegal imports were seized, and the associated biosecurity risks were mitigated. The department cautioned that such illicit activities could threaten the health status of Australia’s animal, plant, and human populations, as well as damage its stellar global reputation.
The woman faced nine charges related to biosecurity violations and, on June 11, received a sentence of two years in prison, which will be served through an intensive corrections programme, alongside completing 150 hours of community service.