Indonesians quizzed over Australian smuggling

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) Australian officials investigating wildlife smuggling allegations have let two Indonesian military personnel off with a warning after birds were reportedly found on an Australian military aircraft given to Indonesia.

Australian officials were reluctant to comment on Friday on the controversy which comes after media reports last week of Australian phone tapping of Indonesian officials left bilateral relations damaged.

Macquarie Radio reported the two men were among an Indonesian team who took delivery of the donated Hercules C-130 transport aircraft at Sydney air force base on Thursday.

Macquarie reported the pair allegedly were found loading seven Australian parrots, including five galahs, hidden in bags onto the plane.

Macquarie said another two parrots were found on board when the plane stopped in the northern city of Darwin to refuel.

Australian native birds can sell for thousands of dollars each on the international black market. Bird smuggling can lead to a 10-year prison sentence plus a 170,000 Australian dollar ($155,000) fine.

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service confirmed that two Indonesians had been questioned in relation to alleged wildlife smuggling, but gave no other details.

Border Protection Minister Scott Morrison later said the border service let the pair go with a warning after consultation with the federal prosecutors.

The Australian Defense Force declined to comment on the smuggling allegations, but confirmed in a statement that a C-130 left Sydney yesterday and had reached Indonesia via Darwin.