CBP Seizes Human Remains at Tampa Airport, Warns Smugglers
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Tampa International Airport made a grim discovery on September 18, 2025. A passenger attempted to bring a trailer human remains, including parts of a skull, through customs, claiming they were for rituals. The items were confiscated and destroyed due to serious health risks.
During a routine inspection, CBP agriculture specialists found the human remains wrapped in aluminum foil in the passenger's luggage. The traveler initially declared only 10 cigars but was also found with prohibited plants and additional undeclared cigars. CBP requires specific documentation for human remains intended for burial, including a death certificate, depending on their condition. However, the passenger's claim that the remains were for rituals did not meet these requirements. CBP officials seized the remains and destroyed them following standard protocols, citing serious health risks due to the potential spread of pathogens. Non-cremated remains must be shipped in leak-proof containers to prevent such risks.
Following the incident, CBP officials commented that smugglers should be aware that they will always face scrutiny and potential consequences for attempting to bring a trailer such items into the country. The discovery serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to CBP's regulations regarding the transportation of human remains.
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