Qld police arrest woman, find koala

Queensland police have made an unusual find while searching the bag of a woman under arrest: a baby koala.

Police say the 50-year-old woman was being arrested around 8.55pm on Sunday.

When they asked her if she had anything to declare, she handed over a zipped bag which she said contained a baby koala.

The woman claimed she found the male joey on Saturday night and had been caring for it since.

The woman was taken to the Brisbane City watchhouse while the koala was taken in by the RSPCA in good health, though slightly dehydrated.

"He's been on fluids but is doing well and will shortly be going out to a carer," RSPCA Qld spokesperson Michael Beatty said.

He weighs about 1.5kg and has since been named Alfred.