While inspecting bags, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in Detroit were met with an unwelcome fishy surprise last week. Agriculture specialists uncovered the skull of a dolphin in a bag at the airport.
According to the agency, the luggage was unaccompanied and had arrived from a destination outside of the US. Officials said the skull has been turned over to wildlife service inspectors for further investigation.
Details of the incident
The luggage seemed to have been separated from its owner without intention during transit. During required x-ray screenings upon reentry into the country at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, the CBP said images revealed what appeared to be a skull-shaped object in one of the bags.
After further inspection, the agency consulted the US Fish and Wildlife Service for additional examination. Both the CBP and officials from the Fish and Wildlife Service determined the skull was from a young dolphin.
CBP Area Director, Robert Larkin, said the ownership of wildlife items is forbidden.
“The possession of wildlife items, especially those of protected animals is prohibited. We take wildlife smuggling seriously and work closely with our federal partners at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect wildlife and their habitats.” - Robert Larkin, US Customs and Border Protection Area Director
According to the CBP, wild birds, land or marine mammals, reptiles, fish, shellfish, mollusks or invertebrates, and any animal part or product, to include skins, tusks, bone, feathers, or eggs, are subject to importing and exporting restrictions, prohibitions, permits or certificates, as well as other requirements. Some products made from those items are also contingent on transit rules and regulations.
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Further investigation
Office of Law Enforcement wildlife inspectors within the US Fish and Wildlife Service has since taken over the investigation of the dolphin skull. The CBP encouraged travelers to educate themselves about current regulations before attempting to bring wildlife items into the country, as penalties such as seizure or arrest can occur as a result.
No further information has been released.
A rising trend
Wildlife smuggling cases have reportedly been on the rise over the last year. According to Sean Patrick, an Aviation Security Analyst at Osprey Flight Solutions, there has been a notable increase in wildlife-smuggling incidents among passengers traveling through airports, as well as air cargo shipments, following a decrease in such activity associated with COVID-19-related travel restrictions and resultant reductions in flights and passenger numbers in 2020-2021.
Patrick also said the incidents have mainly occurred in Asia, Africa, and Latin America and are driven by regional demands for animals, both alive and dead, as well as their body parts and derivatives, particularly in China and Southeast Asia.
Air travel is reportedly a favored form of transportation for wildlife smugglers because they can connect to other destinations quickly, which reduces the time animals have to decompose or become ill, if alive, during transit.
A smuggler may also decide, in some cases, to conceal wildlife items or animals on their person. However, live animals and high-value animal derivatives are frequently concealed in passengers’ carry-on or checked luggage, according to Patrick.
Sources: US Customs Border and Protection, Osprey Flight Solutions