40°
A traveler coming into Virginia from Equatorial Guinea drew the attention of Freddie, a 4-year-old beagle, leading to CBP agriculture specialists to discover two pounds of snake meat, which is a delight in his home country, but prohibited from being brought into the country.
The snake meat was confiscated, which was then inspected by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and it was ultimately determined that "the importation of snake meat without the necessary permits or documentation violated several laws and regulations."
Inspectors then seized the meat.
"This seizure exemplifies the extraordinary competence of our Beagle Brigade in protecting our national vital agricultural resources by detecting prohibited plant and animal products packed in traveler baggage," Marc Calixte, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington, DC, stated.
"CBP agriculture specialists remain committed to working with our partners at the USFWS and US Department of Agriculture to ensure that animal and plant products that travelers bring to the United States fully comply with our nation’s laws and relevant international conventions."
Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Lorton and receive free news updates.
