Navya Nair Fined ₹1 Lakh At Melbourne Airport For Carrying Jasmine Flowers; Why Are They Banned?

Actress Navya Nair recently faced an unusual penalty at Melbourne Airport. She was fined almost ₹1 lakh for carrying fresh jasmine flowers in her cabin luggage. Why? The hefty fine was due to Australia’s strict rules on plant material. The country has some of the world’s strictest biosecurity laws, and here’s all you need to know about them!

Navya Nair Fined For Carrying Jasmine Flowers At Melbourne Airport

According to The Indian Express, Navya Nair was fined AUD 1,980 (₹1.14 lakh approx.) at Melbourne International Airport recently, for carrying a jasmine gajra in her hand luggage. The actress spoke about the incident during a public event in Melbourne.

She explained that she was heading to Australia to attend an Onam celebration event, and her father had bought the jasmine flowers for her before she left Kochi. While she had put half the flowers in her hair right there, she left some in her handbag and had planned to use them later. However, she was stopped at Melbourne International Airport as it was against the country’s rules.

While addressing the media, she accepted her mistake and admitted that the act was against the law. She added that while it was a mistake she made unknowingly, “ignorance is no excuse” in this matter. Now, she has to pay about ₹1.14 lakh within 28 days for this.

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Everything You Need To Know About Australia’s Rules

As per reports, Australia has strict biosecurity laws, and flowers, plants, and seeds are among the items prohibited to prevent risks to its agriculture and ecosystem from foreign pests and diseases. Hindustan Times reported that international travellers can only bring fresh-cut flowers and foliage to Australia if they are declared on arrival. The biosecurity officers then thoroughly inspect the materials for pests and diseases.

If people fail to declare the plant material on the Incoming Passenger Card, like Navya, then they will have to pay hefty fines. The fine can go up to AUD 6,600 (₹3,82,570), and even criminal prosecution and visa cancellation.

Also Read: Toilet Crisis On Virgin Australia Flight: Passengers Forced To Urinate In Bottles Mid-Flight

We hope this information was helpful to you all!

Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/navyanair143