Polish customs authorities have fined two travellers from the Middle East after they were caught attempting to smuggle more than 107 kilograms of raw meat into the country through Kraków-Balice Airport.
According to officials, the illegal meat haul was discovered during a standard baggage inspection at the southern Polish airport.
The uninspected meat products are now set to be destroyed following European Union sanitary regulations.
“It is not permitted to bring meat or dairy products into the European Union without submitting them to a veterinary border inspection,” said Maciej Kopacz, head of the customs office at the airport.
He emphasised that such imports are banned for individual travellers and could lead to significant penalties or even criminal charges.
Authorities warned that smuggling animal-based food items poses serious public health risks, such as the potential spread of infectious diseases like foot-and-mouth.
The travellers, whose identities were not disclosed, were issued fines totalling 5,000 złoty (approximately €1,170).
Customs officials are urging passengers to familiarise themselves with food import rules before travel, noting that restrictions can differ depending on destination. Travellers were advised to consult official sources, such as the Polish Foreign Ministry, to avoid violations.
