Customs officials found something somewhat “fishy” inside an unclaimed suitcase on the Detroit Metropolitan Airport late last month — the skull of a young dolphin.
US Customs and Border Protection agents uncovered the skull-shaped object after doing a routine x-ray scan of the bags, which had been inadvertently separated from its owner during transit, the agency said in a news release Friday.
Following an examination by CBP and US Fish and Wildlife Service officials, the mysterious object was determined to be the skull of a young dolphin.
“The possession of wildlife items, especially those of protected animals is prohibited,” Area Port Director Robert Larkin in the discharge.
“We take wildlife smuggling seriously and work closely with our federal partners on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to guard wildlife and their habitats.”
The statement didn’t provide any information concerning the traveler who never reclaimed the bags full of the skull.
Certain fish and wildlife, and products produced from them are subject to import and export restrictions, prohibitions, permits or certificates, in addition to other requirements.
That features wild birds, land or marine mammals, reptiles, fish, shellfish, mollusks or invertebrates — and any animal part or product, including skins, tusks, bone, feathers, or eggs.
The skull was turned over to US Fish and Wildlife Service investigators for further investigation.
Bringing illicit wildlife items into the country can lead to penalties, seizures of the item, and even arrest, based on the discharge.
Customs officials found something somewhat “fishy” inside an unclaimed suitcase on the Detroit Metropolitan Airport late last month — the skull of a young dolphin.
US Customs and Border Protection agents uncovered the skull-shaped object after doing a routine x-ray scan of the bags, which had been inadvertently separated from its owner during transit, the agency said in a news release Friday.
Following an examination by CBP and US Fish and Wildlife Service officials, the mysterious object was determined to be the skull of a young dolphin.
“The possession of wildlife items, especially those of protected animals is prohibited,” Area Port Director Robert Larkin in the discharge.
“We take wildlife smuggling seriously and work closely with our federal partners on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to guard wildlife and their habitats.”
The statement didn’t provide any information concerning the traveler who never reclaimed the bags full of the skull.
Certain fish and wildlife, and products produced from them are subject to import and export restrictions, prohibitions, permits or certificates, in addition to other requirements.
That features wild birds, land or marine mammals, reptiles, fish, shellfish, mollusks or invertebrates — and any animal part or product, including skins, tusks, bone, feathers, or eggs.
The skull was turned over to US Fish and Wildlife Service investigators for further investigation.
Bringing illicit wildlife items into the country can lead to penalties, seizures of the item, and even arrest, based on the discharge.
