Actor Navya Nair fined over Rs 1 lakh for carrying Jasmine flowers to Australia

Malayalam actor Navya Nair recently paid a hefty fine upon her arrival in Australia, after officials discovered she was carrying jasmine flowers, which had not been declared, as per the country's stringent biosecurity regulations. The incident occurred at Melbourne International Airport, where Nair was fined AUD 1,980, equivalent to around Rs 1.14 lakh.

The actor was invited to Melbourne for the Onam celebrations, organised by the Malayali Association of Victoria. Her experience serves as a reminder of these regulations, highlighting the importance of compliance to avoid severe penalties.

During a public



event, Navya Nair recounted how her father had purchased jasmine flowers for her before she left Kochi. He divided them into two strands, suggesting she wear one and keep the other in her handbag. However, this decision led to the fine when she was stopped at Melbourne airport for not declaring the flowers. Nair admitted, "Ignorance is no excuse," acknowledging her mistake and the importance of adhering to the law.

She shared a video of herself wearing the Onam traditional saree and jasmine flowers with the caption, "The drama just before paying the fine!!! (sic).” However, she has now edited the caption with just a flower emoticon.