Krasnoyarsk customs seized more than 15 kg of exotic plant seedlings from the luggage of two Russian passengers returning from Thailand; the women had no import permits. Source: FCS Russia.
Cacti and ornamental plants showed up on X-ray screening during selective checks: officers counted 212 shoots across two suitcases.
The travellers said they had bought the greenery for their country plots and as gifts for relatives and were unaware of phytosanitary import requirements.
Administrative cases were opened under Article 16.3 of the Code of Administrative Offences (breach of prohibitions and restrictions), with a RUB 1,000 fine for each woman. Rosselkhoznadzor specialists in Krasnoyarsk Territory seized and destroyed the illicit plants.
