Because he had neither a permit nor customs papers for the bees he was turned away, but a short time later he tried his luck at the St Margrethen crossing in northeastern Switzerland, on the Austrian border.
When customs officials stopped him for a check not long after after entering Switzerland, the man turned his car around and sped off. The officials followed in hot pursuit with lights and sirens blazing. The man was eventually caught near the border.
The 12 bee colonies were found in the boot of the car and were confiscated on instruction of the cantonal veterinary office. Since the bees’ origin was unknown and no health certificates existed, the bees were destroyed by the responsible bee inspector to avoid the introduction of bee diseases.
The man had to pay the VAT and was fined. He was also reported for obstructing official duties.
More
More
Parliamentary group on bees is launched in Switzerland
This content was published on
Swiss MPs have set up for the first time a parliamentary group on bees and pollinators.
This content was published on
The earth shook near Mürren in the Bernese Oberland on Monday afternoon with a magnitude of around 4.2 on the Richter scale.
Public transport in Geneva faces calls for overhaul
This content was published on
Public transport services in Greater Geneva must better meet needs. The associations Transports et environnement (ATE) and Rail Dauphiné Savoie Léman (ARDSL) have drawn up a review of the situation, calling in particular for the Leman Express timetable to be extended.
Swiss politician who shot at baby Jesus risks fine
This content was published on
The Zurich public prosecutor's office has brought charges against Zurich city parliamentarian Sanija Ameti for disturbing religious freedom. Ameti had shot at a picture of Jesus and Mary with an air pistol.
This content was published on
The French-Swiss artist Saype has created a new giant painting on the summit of the Grand Chamossaire above Villars-sur-Ollon VD. The 2500 square metre work depicts a boy with a rucksack on his shoulders.
This content was published on
According to "Schweizer Illustrierte", Swiss actor Carlos Leal is returning to Switzerland - after 15 years in Los Angeles. "It's become loud there, megalomaniacal and arrogant," he said in the online edition of the magazine.
This content was published on
A coin collector has filed a criminal complaint with the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland against Swissmint, the federal mint, for fraud in connection with the sale of the limited-edition 100-franc gold Vreneli.
Museum to open devoted to Swiss ski legend Vreni Schneider
This content was published on
Vreni Schneider is to have a museum in the centre of her home village of Elm. The legendary Swiss ski racer has numerous memorabilia at home, which she is now releasing and exhibiting.
This content was published on
A shooting range in Wittenbach, northeastern Switzerland, was broken into on Sunday night. The unknown perpetrators stole several antique weapons.
Euro 2025: most of crowd at Germany-France match were women
This content was published on
For the first time, the majority of the crowd at a football match in Basel's St. Jakob-Park – Saturday's European Championship quarterfinal – was female.
Pilots’ union seeks to end deal with SWISS over working conditions
This content was published on
The Aeropers pilots’ union is expected to end its collective labour agreement with SWISS, as it pushes for better working conditions for its members.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Bee association concerned about increasing imports
This content was published on
As the numbers of imported bee colonies from abroad continue to rise in Switzerland, the head of the national bee association has called for caution.
Swiss bee expert laments exaggerated focus on insecticides
This content was published on
Bees and other pollinators are vital to three-quarters of the world’s food crops but have been in serious decline in recent decades.
This content was published on
Bee colonies in Switzerland and Liechtenstein diminished by 30% over the winter, according to a survey of 1,000 Swiss beekeepers.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.