Dozens of invasive snails seized in luggage inspection at Detroit airport - Action News
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Dozens of invasive snails seized in luggage inspection at Detroit airport

A cache of about 90 live snails, considered an invasive species that can damage crops, homes and human health, was seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)officers at the Detroit airport last month, the agency says.

Snails were intended for consumption but are an invasive species in the U.S.

A cluster of snails
About 90 Giant African Land snails were seized in a luggage inspection at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport on June 30, 2024. The snails are considered an invasive species in the United States. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

A cache of about 90 live snailsconsidered an invasive speciesthat can damage crops, homes and human healthwas seized by United StatesCustoms and Border Protection (CBP)officers at the Detroit airport last month, the agency says.

According to a CBP news release, 90 Giant African snails were discovered in a passenger's luggage on June 30 when they werearriving from Ghana.

The passenger had been sent to secondary screening after declaring fresh food items and an agriculture specialist noticed a tied, woven bag in the luggage.

"Inside the bag were Giant African Land snails ranging from three to six inches in length," the agency said in a statement.

"Prior to the luggage being opened, the passenger began declaring other prohibited items, such as beef skin and fresh peppers, but there was no mention of the snails, which are considered an invasive species in the U.S."

A patch on a uniform
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection patch is seen on the arm of a U.S. Border Patrol agent in a 2019 file photo. (Loren Elliott/Reuters)

CBP seized the snails, which were intended for consumption.

According to the news release, the snails have a "voracious" appetite and "cause major crop damage when they escape into the environment."

"They can also pose a public health threat to humans. The snails can grow up to eightinches and feed on a wide variety of plants, including many economically important crop plants, and cause structural damage by using stucco on houses to meet their calcium requirement for shell growth."

Travellers are asked to review all current regulations before travelling with fresh food items.