Canadian border authorities have fined a Nigerian traveller after intercepting over 40 kilogrammes of undeclared chicken and dried meat, popularly known as kilishi, at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
The Canada Border Services Agency said the items were discovered in the passenger’s luggage upon arrival from Nigeria.
The agency disclosed that a detector dog identified as Moby uncovered the concealed meat products during routine checks at the airport.
According to the CBSA, the traveller, whose identity was not revealed, failed to declare the food items as required by law.
“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 said.
The seized items included dried, spiced meat widely consumed in northern Nigeria.
The CBSA reiterated that travellers entering Canada must declare all food, plant and animal products in their possession.
“You are required by law to declare all food, plant and animal products you bring with you into Canada,” it stated.
It warned that violations could attract penalties ranging from seizure of goods to fines of up to $1,300 or prosecution.
The agency also noted that such items could pose risks to public health, agriculture and the environment if not properly regulated.
Meanwhile, the incident has stirred reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing surprise at the quantity of meat intercepted while others criticised the traveller for breaching import regulations.