Overview

• CBP says the passenger declared only 10 cigars before officers flagged the bag during reentry screening at Tampa International Airport.
• Agriculture specialists reported finding prohibited plants plus a foil-wrapped duffel containing bones, including part of a skull.
• The traveler told officers the remains were intended for rituals, a claim authorities have not independently verified.
• CBP labeled the items a serious health risk, seized the luggage contents, and destroyed the suspected remains after documenting them with photos.
• A DHS spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing, authenticity has not been confirmed, and CDC rules require documentation and proper containment to import human remains.