Woman Fined 200,000 NTD for Bringing Pork Airplane Meal to Taiwan; Stocks Seized After Non-Payment

TAIPEI, Taiwan (CNA) - A woman in her 60s was fined NT$200,000 for carrying an airplane meal containing pork into Taiwan without applying for quarantine, a violation of the Act for Prevention of Animal Epidemics. The fine was imposed by the Keelung Branch of the Agriculture and Food Agency (AFFA) last December. As the woman, identified by her surname Jiang, failed to pay the fine by the deadline, the case was transferred to the New Taipei Branch of the Ministry of Justice's Executive Agency in February for compulsory enforcement. After investigating her assets, the New Taipei Branch seized stocks valued at NT$200,000 from her securities account in March.

Upon learning of the stock seizure, Ms. Jiang contacted the agency, stating her willingness to pay the fine in full. She visited the New Taipei Branch on April 16 to explain her situation. She mentioned that she had no appetite after transferring in Shanghai and did not eat the airplane meal, so she casually brought it with her, unaware it contained pork products. She stated she had already filed an appeal against the penalty. However, enforcement personnel emphasized that an appeal generally does not halt execution. Ms. Jiang expressed understanding, lamenting the heavy price of the meal and vowing never to repeat the mistake, then promptly paid the NT$200,000 fine.

The New Taipei Branch reminds the public to be mindful of their luggage and meals when returning to Taiwan, and to refrain from carrying any animal or plant products, especially those containing pork. Whether purchased or uneaten meals from flights, bringing them into the country without declaration is illegal. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150420

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