Photos: The disgusting items confiscated by Aussie airports
Look, if we’re being completely honest, we’re probably not the best people to be writing this article.
We’ve snuck in our fair share of shells and collectibles.
However, a few pieces of beach debris pales in comparison to what some people have tried to sneak through Aussie airport security.
According to News.com, in 2017 alone, Australian border security confiscated roughly 340,000 “biosecurity risk items” from travellers, 120,000 of which were found at Sydney alone.
This included around 20,000kgs of meat, 7000kg of seafood, 3000kg of seeds and 2000kg of bananas.
Food aside, it’s actually the inedible items which are the biggest causes for concern.
As per News.com, these items include everything from barbequed rats to lizards’ feet, skinned frogs and even duck tongues.
Speaking on the issue, Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud said: “Any one of the intercepted items could be carrying deadly pests or diseases which could decimate Australian farming and our environment — or carry a disease affecting humans.”
“Agriculture, fisheries and forestry employ more than 300,000 Australians, pump $63 billion to our economy and supply 93 per cent of our domestic food according to the NFF, so it’s worth protecting.”
Since 2013, the government has upped biosecurity investments by 29 per cent and provided $200 million in funding.
“We thank the women and men who work day and night to keep our country safe from threats to our farming, our food, and our health,” Littleproud added.
“They are some of Australia’s finest.”
‘But enough with the info, show us the photos!’ we hear you scream.
Ok, here it goes – and if you’re not already, maybe sit down for this part of the story.
Baby snakes? They’re cute!
Scary but cute.
Ok, we’re getting grosser now.
Skinned frogs.
Ok, but seriously, WHAT ON EARTH?
Sheep stomach and a bat skeleton on a cross.
Sure, why not.
Game meat.
Yep, we’re finishing this article with a photo of an indistinguishable animal carcass.
Excuse us, we need to go to the bathroom, and then we need to pour ourselves a stiff drink.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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