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Men try to smuggle KFC during COVID-19 lockdown, police say

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — When you have a hankering for chicken, you may do anything to get a bucket of KFC.

But would you risk breaking a COVID-19 lockdown for a piece of the crispy dinner?

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Two men have been arrested and charged after they were caught with a trunk full of KFC, BBC News reported.

They also had about $70,000 in cash.

The two men drove to Hamilton, New Zealand, about 75 miles south of Auckland.

Police said they were spotted returning to Auckland driving on a gravel road on the city’s outskirts, BBC News reported.

They tried to do a U-turn to avoid getting caught, but police were able to stop them.

In addition to the cash, they found at least three buckets of chicken, 10 cups of coleslaw, fries and four other bags of KFC products, CNN reported.

They also found empty ounce bags, CNN reported.

Police said they didn’t know if the food was intended to be sold or used as a distraction if they were pulled over.

Under the country’s anti-COVID laws, people who break the lockdown can be fined up to $2,798 (in U.S. dollars) and a prison sentence of up to six months, CNN reported.

Auckland was at a level four lockdown, meaning all restaurants are closed, including take-out operations, at the time of the KFC bust, BBC News reported.

Auckland is currently a level three lockdown, but residents must stay home unless going to school, work or shopping.

The rest of New Zealand is at a level two lockdown with stores, restaurants, bars and nightclubs open.

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