Overview

• CBP agriculture specialists flagged the luggage after finding prohibited plants and undeclared cigars, then uncovered a foil-wrapped duffel containing bones, including part of a skull.
• The traveler told officers the remains were for rituals, according to CBP Director of Field Operations Carlos C. Martel.
• CBP said the materials posed serious health risks and seized and destroyed them following the inspection.
• Martel shared photos on X showing bones wrapped in aluminum foil as officers examined the bag at Tampa International Airport.
• A DHS spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released the traveler’s identity or potential charges, with CDC guidance requiring documentation and leak-proof containers for most non-cremated remains.