A Timaru man has been arrested for importing a child sex doll

The 57 year old appeared in court this afternoon charged with importing a prohibited good, as well as possessing objectionable publications involving the sexual exploitation of children.

Customs officers had earlier examined a consignment from China and found the doll that resembled a young child.

Timaru Police and Customs investigators then executed a search warrant at the man's house this morning.

Customs Manager Investigations Bruce Berry says this arrest should serve as a warning that just because child sex dolls are available from overseas doesn't make them legal here.