Influencer Fined Over $1,200 For Carrying A Rose Through Australian Airport Given By Qatar Airways

A travel blogger has been fined more than $1,200 for carrying a rose through Perth Airport, violating Australia’s Biosecurity Act.

The incident took place when Lays Laraya, known as Skywardsfreak on Instagram and YouTube, flew from Qatar to Australia, according to Insider.

Laraya received the rose as a gift from Qatar Airways crew members. She was then fined by two plainclothes officials at the airport for not declaring the flower on her passenger card.

Laraya insists she was not trying to sneak the flower into the country and had been “visibly” carrying it through the airport.

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The fine was imposed under the country’s Biosecurity Act. A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry said the penalty reflects the risk of her action.

In Australia, flowers are deemed a biosecurity risk as they can carry species of mites, aphids, and thrips, according to the Invasive Species Council.

Laraya is attempting to appeal the fine, stating she should have received a warning or a lesser fine. However, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry spokesperson said warnings are given on a case-by-case basis.

Despite the incident, Laraya was allowed to keep the rose after officials inspected it and cut off the stem.

Photo Courtesy: Natalja Petuhova On Shutterstock.com

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