U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents found 90 potentially harmful giant African land snails in the luggage from a passenger traveling from Ghana to Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents found 90 potentially harmful giant African land snails in the luggage from a passenger traveling from Ghana to Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents found 90 potentially harmful giant African land snails in the luggage from a passenger traveling from Ghana to Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents found 90 potentially harmful giant African land snails in the luggage from a passenger traveling from Ghana to Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
ROMULUS, Mich. (WJRT) – U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents stopped a shipment of potentially invasive giant African land snails from entering Michigan during an inspection at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
A traveler entering the U.S. from Ghana was carrying 90 snails and declared fresh food items when they arrived at the airport, so they were referred for additional inspection.
Agriculture specialists noticed a woven bag with an odd odor during the inspection. They found the 90 giant African land snails in the bag, which was tied on the top. Each specimen was about 3 to 6 inches in length.
U.S. Customs agents say the traveler declared other prohibited fresh items on their passenger manifest, including beef skin and peppers. However, the snails were not listed anywhere. The passenger planned to eat them.
Giant African land snails are considered an invasive species in the U.S., so customs agents seized them. They could cause major crop damage due to a voracious appetite if they are released into the wild.
The snails also have been known to eat stucco on houses for the calcium it contains.
“These snails are an invasive species that could negatively impact our economy,” said Acting Port Director John Nowak. “Our agriculture specialists are always keeping a watchful eye out for harmful plants, animals and insects.”
Giant African land snails, which can grow to 8 inches, also pose a potential public health danger to humans.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not say whether the traveler will face any sanctions or charges for bringing a restricted species into the country. Agents encouraged travelers to learn about what they are allowed to bring into the U.S. before they arrive.
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