Malayalam actress Navya Nair had to pay a significant penalty after arriving in Australia when authorities found jasmine flowers in her possession that were not declared under the country’s strict biosecurity rules. The incident took place at Melbourne International Airport where officials imposed a fine of AUD 1,980, approximately Rs 1.14 lakh.

 

Nair was in Melbourne as a guest for the Onam festivities hosted by the Malayali Association of Victoria. The episode stands as a reminder of Australia’s tough biosecurity measures and how failing to follow them can result in costly consequences.

 

While speaking at a public gathering, the actress shared the sequence of events. She explained that her father had bought jasmine flowers for her in Kochi before her departure. He separated them into two strands suggesting she wear one and place the other in her handbag. This small gesture eventually led to the penalty as the flowers were discovered during airport checks.