One of our favourite TV shows is Border Security, a behind-the-scenes look at Australia’s immigration, customs and quarantine departments. To keep Australia’s flora and fauna free from pests and diseases, strict quarantine laws are in place. Numerous travellers featured on the show try to bring in food (either intentionally or not), narcotics and a variety of prohibited items.
Incoming travellers should declare any products with dairy/egg products, seeds, nuts, plants, animal products, live animals and all fresh fruits and vegetables. The customs officers are quite strict, with on-the-spot fines routinely issued. Drug moles, with their creative ways of concealing narcotics, are no match for customs officers who seem to have a sixth sense for spotting carriers a mile away. And if that’s not enough, they have trained detector dogs who sniff luggages for anything suspicious.
And speaking of detector dogs, hubby took photos of this cute detector puppy in training. We sighted him at our platform in Flinders station tonight. The lady who was in charge of him was gracious enough to let Geejay take a couple of photos and even made the puppy sit still during the shoot. Isn’t he just adorable with his vest emblazoned with the big L (for learner)? I’m certain he would have a bright future, with his movie-star looks and intelligence.
@Pau: We actually just started watching Border Security this year, after watching NZ’s Border Patrol. It’s amazing what some people would try to bring in. Thanks for visiting our blog
@Linda: Yeah, it took Gj and I a few minutes arguing whether we should take the photos and ask the lady. It was great that she said okay straight away!
Awwww…he’s so cute! And how nice of that lady to let you take some pics.
i love border security!!! i was able to watch only a few episodes coz i only stayed in aus for a month.
i love your blog!
@ladybug: oh, isn’t he just? I wanted to take him home, but course I can’t.
OOOhhhh…the puppy is just sssoooo adorable.