New Zealand Customs officials noticed the man's cargo pants had bulging pockets and water was seeping through the fabric, when he arrived at Auckland Airport this week from Australia.
The passenger said he was carrying water from the plane because he was thirsty. When asked to show the contents of his pockets, the passenger took out two plastic bags containing water and seven live fish.
The man said he was bringing the fish into New Zealand for a friend.
After a full search, New Zealand Customs referred the passenger to Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) biosecurity officials. The man now faces prosecution.
"This appears to be a deliberate attempt to smuggle fish into the country without any consideration of the biosecurity risk involved. That's something we take very seriously, which is why we are laying charges under the Biosecurity Act," said MPI local passenger manager Craig Hughes.
The fish have been identified as cichlids, although the exact species is unknown at this stage.
"The fish could have been carrying diseases or have the potential to displace native species. Even if the species were permitted to enter the country under New Zealand's import regulations, it would still need to go through strict quarantine procedures," said Mr Hughes.
- Calida Smylie of APNZ
