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Deadly Discovery — Canine Cop Finds Mummified Monkeys in Luggage
Matthew Russell
CBP canine units like Buddey are critical in safeguarding U.S. borders against the illegal entry of prohibited items, including bushmeat, which poses significant health risks due to potential disease transmission.
In this case, Buddey's training uncovered something no one expected to see: the mummified remains of four monkeys.
Photo: U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionA CBP canine named Buddey detected mummified monkeys in a traveler's luggage at Boston's Logan Airport.
The Unusual Discovery
The incident occurred when Buddey alerted his handler to a suspicious piece of luggage belonging to a traveler who had just arrived from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Initially, the passenger claimed the luggage contained dried fish. However, upon further inspection, authorities foundnd the dehydrated and mummified bodies of four monkeys wrapped in a blanket, concealed within a basket inside a cardboard box, NBC Boston reports.
Photo: U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionThe discovery included four dehydrated monkey carcasses, hidden among personal items.
Bushmeat: A Prohibited Hazard
The importation of raw or minimally processed meat from certain wild animals, known as bushmeat, is strictly prohibited in the U.S. due to the severe health risks it poses. Bushmeat can harbor germs capable of causing diseases, including the Ebola virus, making it a significant concern for public health officials.
"Bushmeat can carry germs that can cause illness, including the Ebola virus," Julio Caravia, the area port director at CBP Boston, said in a statement.
Photo: PexelsCustoms and Border Protection seized the luggage and marked the bushmeat for destruction.
CBP's Vigilant Canine Units
The discovery of the mummified monkeys underscores the invaluable role of CBP's canine units in the detection of contraband and prohibited items. dogs like Buddey are trained to sniff out a wide range of substances, from drugs and explosives to wildlife and agricultural products. Their acute sense of smell enables them to identify items that might otherwise go undetected during routine inspections.
Photo: PexelsThe incident occurred during routine baggage screening at Logan International Airport.
Legal Implications and Enforcement
While no charges were filed against the passenger in this particular case, the luggage was seized, and the nearly 9 pounds of bushmeat were marked for destruction by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ABC reports.
Strict regulations govern the importation of animal products into the U.S., particularly those that could pose health risks to the public. Buddey was instrumental in enforcing those laws.
The CBP's detection of mummified monkeys in a traveler's luggage at Boston Logan International Airport is a stark example of the challenges faced by border protection agencies in preventing the entry of illegal and potentially harmful items into the U.S. Through the diligent work of canine units and their handlers, CBP continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding public health and ensuring the integrity of U.S. borders.
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