An agriculture detection canine from Customs and Border Protection recently unearthed almost 100 pounds of banned meat, plants, and wildlife products hidden in luggage from Thailand. This feat occurred after the dog signaled the presence of the suspicious suitcase, as reported by authorities.
According to CBP, K9 Maisy led officers to the bag, which was packed with 50 pounds of various meats, including raw meat, 33 pounds of mangoes, garlic, bamboo, banana plants, and about 16 pounds of Bengal monitor lizard. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has since taken custody of the monitor lizard.
“If you discovered all this in a suitcase, wouldn’t you be this happy?” CBP commented, sharing a photo of Maisy proudly posing behind the remarkable collection.
ONE CANNABIS MISTAKE AT AIRPORT COULD BRING 10 YEARS IN PRISON AND $15,000 FINE
The diligent CBP agriculture detection dog, Maisy, is pictured with the seized contraband, which included prohibited meat, plants, and wildlife products from a bag inbound from Thailand during an inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection via Facebook)
CBP agriculture specialists routinely inspect international luggage for prohibited meat, plants and wildlife products that can introduce pests, animal diseases or invasive species into the United States.
In a separate case, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said officers working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration inspected a vehicle at the San Ysidro Port of Entry and found approximately 436 fish, including rockfish, lingcod, sheephead and yellowtail.
A California Department of Fish and Wildlife officer examines fish seized during an inspection at the San Ysidro Port of Entry as part of an investigation into the alleged illegal importation of fish from Mexico. (California Department of Fish and Wildlife via Facebook)
CDFW said the three people in the vehicle did not have valid Mexican fishing licenses and that officers determined they were bringing the fish into the United States to sell.
Fish fillets seized by California Department of Fish and Wildlife officers during an inspection at the San Ysidro Port of Entry are displayed inside a cooler as part of an investigation into the alleged illegal importation of fish from Mexico. (California Department of Fish and Wildlife via Facebook)
The agency said the catch was seized as evidence and charges are being pursued in connection with the alleged unlawful take of fish in Mexico, fishing without valid licenses and illegally importing the fish into the United States