This blow from customs at Vienna-Schwechat Airport was certainly not an everyday occurrence: employees proved – with the help of animals – the “right nose” and discovered 49 seahorses – which had dried up – in the luggage of a 50-year-old.
The traveler was caught in early February. The man, who had arrived from Istanbul, was stopped by customs just as he was about to cross the green channel at Vienna airport. A game tracking dog was also involved in the search of the luggage. The Vietnamese, who lives in the Czech Republic, had hidden the protected fish in clothing in his luggage.
Intended for TCM products
The dead animals smuggled into Austria should have been made into powder for TCM products, the Ministry of Finance announced in a broadcast on Monday. According to the ministry, the seahorses have been seized and confiscated. The 50-year-old was fined 500 euros.
“Particular irresponsibility towards our planet”
“The mere fact that the dried seahorses were transported hidden clearly shows that the man was aware of the illegality of his action,” Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) said in the broadcast. “Deliberately damaging our planet’s biodiversity for profit demonstrates a particular irresponsibility towards our planet.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
