A Nigerian traveller arriving at Toronto Pearson Airport on June 19 was fined $1,300 by the Canada Border Services Agency after detector dog Dharla sniffed out over 37 kilogrammes of undeclared food and animal products — including guinea fowl, goat meat, cowhide and powdered milk — from their luggage.
A police dog named Dharla has done it again — and a Nigerian traveller is $1,300 poorer for it.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) disclosed Friday that Detector Dog Dharla intercepted a Nigerian passenger arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on June 19 on a flight from Nigeria, after sniffing out over 37 kilogrammes of undeclared food and animal products concealed in their luggage.
Officers subsequently seized the items and slapped the unidentified traveller with a $1,300 fine.
“Detector Dog Dharla intercepted over 37 kg of undeclared food and animal products from a traveller arriving at YYZ from Nigeria. The items were seized and the traveller was fined $1,300,” the CBSA said in its statement.
CP24 reported that a CBSA spokesperson confirmed the haul contained guinea fowl meat, goat meat, cowhide and powdered milk — all products that fall squarely within Canada’s strict declaration requirements for incoming travellers.
Under Canadian law, all travellers must declare every food, plant, and animal product in their possession upon entry — including raw or cooked meats, hides, dairy products, fish, fruits, vegetables, and even soil. Failure to comply can result in seizure of goods, fines of up to $1,300, and potential prosecution.
Dharla, who has been working with the CBSA since March 2023, has built a formidable track record — previously helping uncover drugs, firearms, currency, and food at the airport.
This is not the first time a Nigerian traveller has been caught at a Canadian airport with undeclared meat. The Peoples Gazette reported in April that Detector Dog Moby caught another Nigerian passenger carrying chicken jerky and kilishi — spiced grilled meat.
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