Traveler stopped with bag full of 90 giant ‘invasive’ snails at Detroit airport

ROMULUS, Michigan (WJW) – A man flying into Detroit was stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection after officials say he was carrying a bag full of “invasive” snails late last month.

The passenger, traveling to Michigan from Ghana, was pulled aside for further examination on June 30 after telling U.S. Customs he had “various fresh food items” in his bags, according to a CBP press release on Tuesday.

During the search, officials say they found a “tied, woven bag” with a strange smell coming from it. Inside, U.S. Customs found 90 live Giant African Land Snails between three to six inches in length.

According to the National Invasive Species Information Center , the Giant African Snail, first introduced to the continental U.S. in 1966, is considered an invasive species that feeds on hundreds of plant species.

Although the snails brought to the airport were intended for eating, U.S. Customs pointed out they can cause serious damage to crops if they escape into the wild.

“These snails are an invasive species that could negatively impact our economy,” said acting port director John Nowak. “Our agriculture specialists are always keeping a watchful eye out for harmful plants, animals and insects.”

Officials say the man admitted to carrying other prohibited items like beef skin and fresh peppers, but he failed to mention the snails.

The snails were confiscated and humanely euthanized, according to the release .

Find a full list of prohibited and restricted items on U.S. Customs’ website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.