New Delhi, Sept. 8 -- Recently, Malayalam actress Navya Nair had to pay a huge fine of 1980 Australian dollars (approximately Rs.1.14 lakh) at the Melbourne International Airport for carrying flowers.

The incident took place when the actress arrived in Melbourne to participate in the Onam celebrations organised by the Malayali Association of Victoria.

On her arrival, Melbourne Airport authorities discovered around 15 centimetres of jasmine flowers in her bag. Under Australian biosecurity and customs laws, the import of fresh flowers and plant materials is strictly prohibited.

Since violations can pose serious threats to the country's agriculture and environment, the Australian Department of Agriculture fined Navya Nair 80 Australian do...