A sniffer dog at Toronto Pearson International Airport has uncovered more than 40 kilograms of undeclared meat in a passenger’s luggage, according to the Canada Border Services Agency.
The dog, named Moby, made the discovery on March 27 after a traveler from Nigeria arrived in Canada, the agency said.
The undeclared items included beef and chicken, which were confiscated by officials. The passenger was fined $1,300.
The CBSA shared details of the incident on social media, highlighting the role of detector dogs in identifying contraband entering the country.
Officials are reminding travelers to “be aware of and declare” all food, plant and animal products when entering Canada. These include meat, dairy, seafood, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and other organic ingredients.
Failure to declare such items may result in a fine of up to $1,300 or further legal action. Undeclared goods can also be confiscated and destroyed.
“Travellers may be held responsible for any costs associated with the disposal, quarantine, treatment or removal of these items from Canada,” the CBSA said on its website.
“(They) may not realize the dangers associated with food, plants and animal products. These products can carry invasive species and diseases and pose risks to Canada’s food supply, economy, environment and our health,” he said.
