(WWJ) It was an unusual find by customs agents in an international traveler's luggage at Detroit Metro Airport.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialists say they found vials of genetically modified white blood cells inside a bag belonging to a passenger from Poland.
The materials — packed with dry ice — were undeclared and also violated other state and federal laws, officials said.
The man told agents that the biological materials were for his current research in Poland, but he couldn't produce documentation to prove it. The traveler was questioned by specialists who determined he was a well-published professor on infectious and systemic diseases.
Authorities seized the vials, which were later determined not to be hazardous, and they were destroyed.
“CBP plays a critical role in protecting public health, as well as mitigating the effects of prohibited biological items,” said Area Port Director Robert Larkin. “I’m proud of the work our officers and agriculture specialists do every day to prohibit the unauthorized entry of biological materials into the United States.”
Biological materials must be clearly marked, labeled, packaged and/or placarded in accordance with Federal and State requirements to ensure safe transportation of potentially harmful materials. More information about obtaining permits for biological materials is available at cbp.gov/biologicals.