Published: March 12, 2012 Updated: 9:42 a.m.

Strange things confiscated at U.S. border

U.S. Customs and Border agents find a variety of odd items, from monkey meat to voodoo kits.

See slideshow of strange things confiscated at border

BUSH MEAT: Wild animals found in the bush are a standard protein staple in some parts of the world. This meat, likely from a monkey, came from Africa, U.S. Customs agents said. In this case, the meat was packaged inside foil on December 2008. Animal products, even bones, may be confiscated by U.S. Customs officials if they originate from certain regions because they may carry animal diseases.

COURTESY U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION/TEXT BY CINDY CARCAMO, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER



GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAILS: Sometimes travelers carry animal products that are still alive. In September 2010, U.S. Customs agents at Dulles airport confiscated giant African land snails. In some countries, the snails are used in broth for consumption. Animal products, even bones, may be confiscated by U.S. Customs officials if they originate from certain regions due to the possibility that they may carry animal diseases.

BY CINDY CARCAMO / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials are on the front line in guarding this nation's borders and other ports of entry. They're tasked with protecting the United States from terrorists and others who intend to do Americans harm.

However, they have another job: tracking down items a traveler might attempt to smuggle or carry into the country that could be harmful.

See slideshow of strange things confiscated at the border

Bones and animal pelts that make part of a voodoo "kit to go," smoked monkey meat or even a live, blinged-out beetle are just some of the items our nation's gatekeepers contend with every day.

Other items, such as palm hats and dried-out bones may seem harmless, but the travelers who carry them into the United States may pose a real threat to the country.

Any of these items could introduce an animal or plant disease into the U.S., said Stephen Sapp, a spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection who covers the mid-Atlantic region of the country.

Sapp said most of the strangest items he's seen travelers carry in originate from Africa.

"It's a cultural difference," he said.

For instance, smoked monkey meat is a delicacy, but those who carry it are usually unaware that that it's prohibited from entering the U.S.

Most of these items are confiscated at airports and destroyed, Sapp said.

Take a look at some of the most unusual items carried into the United States over the last few years.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7924 or ccarcamo@ocregister.com or www.twitter.com/thecindycarcamo

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