The 23-year-old man had just landed at Melbourne Airport after a flight from Dubai when customs officers stopped him and searched his bags. They found a container holding two birds eggs in his pocket, and a further search revealed he was wearing tights with two live birds stuffed inside, one in each leg.

Officers also seized a money belt containing plant seeds and undeclared samples of eggplant, reports News.com.au. "Wildlife smuggling is not only cruel to the animals involved, it poses a severe risk to the Australian environment and the health of the Australian community," customs spokesman Richard Janeczko said.

"It is important that people declare all animal and plant materials to customs and border protection when they enter Australia."If convicted, the alleged smuggler, who lives in Melbourne, could face up to 10 years in jail or a £50,000 fine.

Seeds, pigeons, and an undeclared aubergine…pigeon moussaka anyone?

Are you looking at my bird?

The original was here