Jakarta, ThedailyID — A black Labrador retriever named Sophie has become an unlikely internet star after helping authorities fine three airline pilots for bringing undeclared food into New Zealand.
The incidents happened at Auckland International Airport, where Sophie works as a biosecurity detector dog. Instead of targeting criminals, the trained Labrador sniffed out food items that violated New Zealand’s strict biosecurity rules.
According to New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Sophie detected raw vegetable salad in one pilot’s luggage, a banana carried by another, and a chicken sandwich packed by a third. None of the items had been declared upon arrival.
Authorities issued each pilot an infringement notice and fined them NZ$400 (around US$240) for failing to declare the food.
MPI stressed that New Zealand’s biosecurity laws apply equally to everyone, regardless of their profession or status.
“No one is immune from New Zealand’s biosecurity restrictions or from the noses of our detector dogs,” the agency said.
Sophie also detected fresh betel nut and banana leaves inside another passenger’s luggage. The traveler had also failed to declare the items and received the same NZ$400 fine.
New Zealand enforces some of the world’s strictest biosecurity regulations to protect its agriculture, environment, and economy. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat products, plants, and other biological materials can introduce harmful pests and diseases if they enter the country without inspection.
Authorities require every international traveler to declare food, plant products, animal products, medicines containing biological ingredients, and outdoor equipment such as farming, fishing, or hunting gear.
Officials warn that even accidental failures to declare restricted items can result in an instant NZ$400 fine. Deliberately smuggling prohibited biosecurity goods carries much harsher penalties, including fines of up to NZ$100,000 and prison sentences of up to five years.
As for Sophie, MPI said the hardworking Labrador received a well-earned reward after another successful day protecting New Zealand’s borders.
“Keep up the great work, Sophie,” the agency said.
