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.
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Bee association concerned about increasing imports
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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
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Bees and other pollinators are vital to three-quarters of the world’s food crops but have been in serious decline in recent decades.
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Bee colonies in Switzerland and Liechtenstein diminished by 30% over the winter, according to a survey of 1,000 Swiss beekeepers.
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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.