An unidentified Nigerian traveller has been fined by the Canada Border Services Agency after being caught with over 40 kilogrammes of undeclared meat products at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
The agency disclosed on Friday that the passenger, who arrived from Nigeria, attempted to smuggle in a large quantity of chicken and dried spiced meat, popularly known as kilishi, by concealing it in luggage.
According to the CBSA, the items were detected by a sniffer dog identified as Moby, which alerted officers to the hidden consignment during routine inspection.
In a statement shared by the agency, it said the traveller failed to declare the items as required by law, prompting their seizure and the imposition of a monetary penalty.
“Detector dog Moby intercepted over 40kg of undeclared beef and chicken found in a traveller’s luggage arriving from Nigeria. The food products were seized and the traveller was fined,” the agency stated.
The CBSA reiterated that all travellers entering Canada are legally required to declare food, plant and animal products in their possession, including processed or raw meat, dairy products, seafood, fruits and vegetables.
It warned that failure to comply with the regulations could result in confiscation of items, fines of up to $1,300, or prosecution, depending on the severity of the offence.
The agency further explained that such restrictions are necessary to prevent the introduction of invasive species and diseases that could threaten the country’s food supply, economy and public health.
Meanwhile, the incident sparked reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing surprise at the volume of the seized meat, particularly kilishi, a popular dried delicacy in northern Nigeria.
Authorities maintained that strict enforcement of import regulations would continue at all ports of entry to safeguard national biosecurity.
