(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A beagle with a great sense of smell is getting some extra treats after a big bust at O’Hare.
Bettie, known as an agriculture detector dog, last weekend alerted officials to checked luggage from a passenger from Jordan. Inside, specialists found and seized several pounds of jute, oregano and grape leaves; dates and okra; and eggplant, squash and zucchini, officials said.
Steve Bansbach, spokesman for the Chicago field office of U.S.
Customs and Border Protection, said it’s important to intercept such illegal products from overseas.
“You have no idea what pests may be on there – an invasive species that is now introduced into our environment that could wreak havoc on crops,” he said.
He said Bettie ranks No. 2 in the national system for initiating seizures.
“The biggest thing is trying to get Bettie not to try to eat what she found,” Bansbach said, laughing.
Related
Listen to our new podcast Courier Pigeon
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram