Last week, at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Border Protection agents uncovered a fish-related finding while they were conducting a check on international luggage that had arrived without an escort.
Customs Had a Surprising Find In a Piece of Luggage
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had a surprising find during a screening at Detroit Metropolitan Airport; they noticed a skull-shaped object in a piece of separated luggage.
The unaccompanied bag had undergone routine X-ray inspection upon reentry into the U.S., according to a statement released by the CBP.
Upon further investigation by CBP and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it was determined that the object was a skull from a juvenile dolphin.
Flipping out: Customs agents say they discovered a dolphin skull in luggage left at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. https://t.co/lWL2u0JRAc
— AP Oddities (@AP_Oddities) February 4, 2023
The CBP works to protect sensitive wildlife species, especially those endangered or threatened in the US and globally.
As a result, importing or exporting animal parts, products such as skulls, and marine mammals is strictly prohibited. Robert Larkin, the Area Port Director for CBP, stated that possession of any wildlife items is illegal.
To ensure the safety of these animals, CBP teams up with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to prevent any wildlife smuggling attempts from happening. Their collaborative efforts also help safeguard habitats around the world by curbing illegal activities involving protected species.
Beyond that, CBP works diligently to uphold import and export restrictions on animal parts or products that require permits or certificates in order to be traded worldwide.
More Animals and Animal Remains Found in Luggage
This is not the only unexpected item that has been spotted in people’s bags at airports lately.
In November of last year, officials at JFK Airport found a live orange cat stowed away in a checked bag. It was shortly followed by another incident involving a small dog being discovered concealed in a passenger’s bag at an airport in Wisconsin.
In an image shared by the TSA, the cat's outline can be seen in an X-ray of the luggage. Another photo shows a tuft of orange fur peeking out of the suitcase's zipper. https://t.co/Cmn59o3hD5
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) November 24, 2022
Not long after that, TSA agents at Tampa International Airport detected an emotional support boa constrictor snake tucked into a traveler’s carry-on bag.
These peculiar finds have raised questions about what exactly people are trying to bring through airports, as well as why they would attempt to do so without proper authorization.
Not long ago, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discovered the skeletal remains of a giraffe and zebra in the luggage of a female resident from Virginia at Washington Dulles International Airport.
Upon questioning, she admitted to collecting them while on vacation in Kenya with the intention of bringing them back as souvenirs. Following an investigation, authorities determined that no criminal charges should be filed against her.
This case serves as a reminder that while traveling internationally, it is important to be aware of laws and regulations surrounding animal products or items made from endangered species.
Tourists should also exercise caution when collecting souvenirs abroad as certain items may be deemed illegal for importation into the United States.
This article appeared in Right Wing Insider and has been published here with permission.
