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.
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.
Customs and Border Patrol
"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.
The snails carry a parasitic nematode that can lead to meningitis and "rat lungworm" that can affect humans as well.
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 five inches wide.
Customs and Border Patrol
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