KEY POINTS:
Six live "siamese fighting fish" have been intercepted by New Zealand biosecurity officials in a parcel at Auckland's international mail centre.
The parcel was intercepted en route from Thailand on May 9, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand said today.
It was declared as containing "Aroma" and addressed to a Newmarket, Auckland shop.
The fish were found individually packed in water in small plastic bags and tin foil inside a polystyrene container.
MAF international mail centre manager Kerry McGuire said it appeared the packaging was an attempt to conceal the fish.
No legal action will be taken against the importer after inquiries revealed she had paid a deposit for the fish, but had put the order on hold pending completion of biosecurity risk inquiries.
She later tried to cancel payment when nothing further was heard from the Thai exporter.
"In this case, we're satisfied that the woman did not have involvement in the illegal import of biosecurity risk goods," Mr McGuire said.
"However, incorrectly declared parcels, either mistakenly or in a deliberate attempt at concealment, are an on-going concern."
He said international mail centre staff had intercepted two or three parcels containing live fish over the last few years.
"We want to protect New Zealand from exotic pests and diseases. People receiving goods from overseas should know that we x-ray every parcel entering New Zealand."
The fighting fish, known for their sometimes aggressive behaviour, have since been humanely euthanised.
- NZPA
