A trafficker trying to sneak 20lbs of illicit Vietnamese pork sausages into Thailand was caught when sniffer dogs tracked down the spicy pong in his luggage.
The traveller – whose identity was not disclosed in local media – had flown in to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport from Hanoi on 23rd October.
But he was seized when a specially trained beagle reportedly sniffed out nine kilos of the delicacy in his bags.
Customs officers immediately seized the sausages which are now being tested for the African swine fever virus.
The traveller has meanwhile been found guilty of smuggling meat products to Thailand under Section 31 of the Animal Epidemic Act B.E 2558.
It prohibits travellers from bringing meat-based products into the country as a precaution against food-borne diseases unless they can provide a valid import permit.
Prohibited items include fresh meat, such as chicken, beef, and pork, as well as processed products such as ham, fermented pork, and sausages.
Passengers caught breaking the law face fines of up to THB 200,000 (GBP 4,600) in addition to two years imprisonment.
Thai Department of Livestock Development (DLD) stated on Facebook: “The staff has collected the samples for testing and is waiting for approval to destroy them.”
The department reported that their sniffer dogs usually work in pairs to increase the accuracy of their inspections and work in four-hour shifts.
They boast that their dogs are smart, quick and have an excellent sense of smell.
In addition, department officials claimed that the beagles are friendly to people, which makes them the ideal dog to carry out their inspection duties at the airport.
The Customs Department at the airport currently maintains a team of 14 beagles.
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Story By: Georgina Jadikovska, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
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