Customs and Border Protection agents conducting a routine inspection of international baggage at Detroit Metropolitan Airport conducted a fairly watery search last week.
CBP agriculture specialist in U.S. after being separated from his owners were X-raying bags re-entering the U.S. when they found what was determined to be the skull of a young dolphin, CBP said in a news release.
The trafficking of certain wildlife, including marine mammals and products derived from them, is “subject to import and export restrictions, prohibitions, permits or certifications, as well as other requirements,” CBP said.
“The possession of wildlife items, especially protected animals, is prohibited,” said Robert Larkin, director of the Area Port. We take wildlife trafficking seriously and work closely with our federal partners at the US Fish and Wildlife Service to protect wildlife and their habitats. ,
The Fish and Wildlife Service has taken possession of the skull for further examination.
CBP allowed travelers to the U.S. encouraged to stay informed about regulations before smuggling wildlife items into the U.S. “to avoid penalties, seizures and even arrest.”
It is not known who is the owner of the bag and whether he will be charged.