Overview

• Officers at Tampa International Airport uncovered the suspected remains during a routine inspection after the traveler declared only 10 cigars.
• Agriculture specialists reported finding prohibited plants and undeclared cigars along with bones, including what appeared to be part of a skull, wrapped in foil.
• The passenger told officers the items were intended for rituals, according to CBP.
• CBP released photos of the seized items and said an investigation is active with no passenger details or charging information disclosed.
• Federal guidance from the CDC requires documentation and, for non-cremated remains, leak‑proof containers for lawful import, with different rules for cremated, embalmed, or clean dry bones.