Over 60 pounds of rodent, monkey meat seized at Detroit Metro Airport
WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – A total of over 60 pounds of rodent and primate meat was seized at Detroit Metro Airport on two separate occasions within a week.
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 11 pounds of rodent meat from Togo, a country in West Africa, was seized in the first encounter. The second encounter, just days later, 52 pounds of primate meat from the Central African nation of Gabon was discovered, which was initially declared as antelope.
Customs and Border Protection said both passengers also had additional undeclared agricultural items in their possession.
“These recent bushmeat interceptions are significant in bringing attention to the illegal importation of bushmeat through our ports of entry,” said Port Director Fadia Pastilong. “This also showcases how we work with our partner agencies to prevent a potential disease outbreak.”
Bushmeat, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, refers to meat from wild animals, such as bats, non-human primates and cane rats, that come from regions of the world that could pose a communicable disease risk and are illegal to import into the U.S.
Federal officials said rodent-type bushmeat interceptions are sporadic at the Detroit Metro, but primate interceptions are much rarer.
“We routinely find various agriculture items and oddities—live giant snails, animal skulls, and exotic food items—but most times it’s not a malicious act,” said Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon. “Despite this, it’s our duty to protect the homeland and preventing certain food and animal products from entering the U.S. is essential to public health.”
