Indonesians quizzed over Australian smuggling

CANBERRA, Australia  â€” Australian officials have questioned two Indonesians over wildlife smuggling allegations after birds were reportedly found on an Australian military aircraft given to Indonesia.

Macquarie Radio reported Friday the two men were among an Indonesian team who took delivery of a Hercules C-130 transport aircraft at Sydney air force base on Thursday.

Macquarie reported the pair allegedly were found loading seven Australian parrots, including five galahs, hidden in bags onto the plane.

Macquarie said another two parrots were found on board when the plane stopped in the northern city of Darwin to refuel.

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service confirmed that two Indonesian nationals had been questioned in relation to alleged wildlife smuggling. But the service would give no other details.