PHOTOS: 22 'highly invasive' snails seized from man's baggage at JFK

Giant African Snail seized at JFK
Photo credit Customs and Border Patrol

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Officials discovered nearly two dozen giant snails inside a man’s luggage at John F. Kennedy International Airport over the weekend.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection specialists made the discovery on Sunday after they examined the baggage of a man who arrived on a flight from Ghana.

Giant African Snails seized at JFK
Photo credit Customs and Border Patrol

According to Customs, Giant African Snails are known to be highly invasive and among the most damaging snails in the world, consuming at least 500 types of plants, which threatens U.S. agricultural resources and can cause extensive damage to tropical and subtropical environments.

"It threatens U.S. agricultural resources and causes extensive damage to tropical and sub-tropical environments. It also causes structural damage to plaster and stucco structures," the agency added added.

The snails carry a parasitic nematode that can lead to meningitis and "rat lungworm" that can affect humans as well.

Giant African Snails seized at JFK
Photo credit Customs and Border Patrol

Authorities also discovered 24 pounds of prohibited oxtail, dried beef, turkey berry, carrot, medicinal leaves and prekese, a traditional African spice and medicinal plant product collectively during the examination, officials said.

When fully grown, the snails can reach up to eight inches long and fiive inches wide.

Giant African Snails seized at JFK
Photo credit Customs and Border Patrol
Featured Image Photo Credit: Customs and Border Patrol