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If you followed any of the links to stories
about Dr Sian Lim you had to be amused by his explanations to the
authorities.
Here he is caught carrying 3 of the most sought-after
orchids. One of them, Paphiopedilum sanderianum, may be considered the Holy
Grail of slipper orchids. Maybe he could have gotten away with a few obscure
species, but these plants are the poster boys for the war against orchid
smuggling. Too bad the seedlings of Phrag kovachii weren't ready. He could have
hit a grand slam!
Apparently Dr Sian Lim explained that he brought the
plants to Britain because the climate in Malaysia is too hot. I
guess Mt. Kinabalu is no place to raise orchids. Better they should
brought to the far more salubrious climate of England!
Next he claims that the
plants might be for trade, but that he was only transporting them
for friends living abroad. This is a guy who imported nearly eight thousand
plants since 2003. He must have a lot of friends.
Perhaps he figured the heat was off, what with Norris
doing time and Selby still smarting from that slap on the wrist.
Apparently Dr Sian Lim had but little respect
for the abilities of the customs officials at Heathrow. Perhaps experience has
taught him that. Success breeds arrogance. Arrogance breeds mistakes. Dr Sian
Lim seems to have been unaware of the primary response to any questions
regarding plants: They are artificially propogated. This may not get you out of
a jam, but it may get you closer to the door. Try it next time, Dr Sian Lim.
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