While conducting routine inspections of international luggage at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport last week, agents with the US Customs and Border Protection discovered the skull of a dolphin.
Agriculture specialists with the agency were conducting x-rays of the bags reentering the US while they were separated from their owners. While one bag was going through the machine, a skull of what was determined to be a young dolphin was discovered, a news release from the agency said.
The CBP says that smuggling certain wildlife, which includes marine mammals, and products from them “are subject to import and export restrictions, prohibitions, permits or certificates, as well as other requirements.”
Area Port Director Robert Larkin shared in the release that possessing animals, especially those that are protected, is highly prohibited.
“We take wildlife smuggling seriously and work closely with our federal partners at the US Fish and Wildlife Service to protect wildlife and their habitats,” Larkin said.
The skull was confiscated and delivered to the US Fish and Wildlife Service for further investigation. The release did not share who the bag belonged to or if charges would be brought against them.
Those who would attempt to smuggle wildlife items into the country are subject to “penalties, seizures, and even arrest,” the CBP shared.
Because of this, travelers are encouraged to stay up-to-date on rules and regulations about what can and cannot be brought into the country.
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