An early heads-up from a baggage handler at Christchurch Airport resulted in the speedy seizure of a 10kg box of bananas in early July.

The bananas were moved straight from the air container to the airport’s transitional facility. One of Biosecurity New Zealand’s officers alerted the passenger, who was waiting at the baggage collection area to pick up the box. Arriving from the Philippines, the passenger had declared the fruit, which had been grown on her own property.

A baggage search did not unearth any more risk goods. The ripe bananas were found to be contaminated with mealy bugs and spiders, but, thankfully, not fruit fly. They were destroyed.