Ninety giant African snails were confiscated by US Customs and Border Protection at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport late last month, the agency said in a news release Tuesday.
An “odd odor” coming from a passenger’s bag tipped off agriculture specialists, officials said in the release. The passenger, who was arriving from the West African country of Ghana, was stopped for secondary investigation after declaring fresh food items. Before opening the bag, the passenger declared other prohibited items, including beef skin and fresh peppers, but made no mention of the giant snails, officials said.
The slimy gastropods can grow up to 8 inches and are considered an invasive species that “could negatively impact our economy,” said Acting Port Director John Nowak, according to the Tuesday release. The snails eat at least 500 different types of plants and can even eat plaster and stucco off houses as a source of calcium, CNN previously reported.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pickup drives through fence, hits 2 planes at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan AirportThe driver of the pickup truck was taken to the hospital, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Read more »
Clear expands TSA PreCheck enrollment at six airports, including Dallas Love FieldThe new locations reportedly include Boise Airport, Dallas Love Field Airport, Chicago Midway International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
Read more »
Drew Thorpe gets first major league win, combines on 5-hitter to lead White Sox over the TigersDETROIT (AP) — WHITE SOX 5, TIGERS 1 DETROIT (AP) — Drew Thorpe pitched six scoreless innings and got his first major league win in his third start, pitching Chicago over Detroit.
Read more »
City seeking public opinion during open house on future of Metropolitan ParkThis marks the second open house the city has held for the Metropolitan Park revitalization project.
Read more »
La Grange adopts regional climate action plan from Metropolitan Mayors CaucusLa Grange officially adopted the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (MMC) Climate Action Plan (CAP) for the Chicago area June 10.
Read more »
– 8/18: Metropolitan Washington Summer Restaurant Week”Welcome to the beautiful life
Read more »