Customs officials at the Saint Paul International Airport in the United States (US) seized giraffe poop from an American woman who was travelling back home from her trip in Kenya.
Officers from the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated that the US citizen was flagged for inspection by agricultural specialists after getting suspicious of a substance carried in a small box.
When interrogated, the woman admitted that she had carried the faucal matter to use it to make a necklace as her souvenir.
“The passenger declared giraffe feces and stated she had obtained the droppings in Kenya and planned to make a necklace,” a statement from authorities read in part.
She further revealed that she had been using Moose poop at her home in Iowa for the same activity.
Carrying Faucal Matter into the United States (US)
The box containing the poop was destroyed by CBP through steam sterilization in accordance with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) destruction protocol.
Also Read: DCI Unearths New Trick Used by International Drug Traffickers
Subsequently, the CPD Director in the Chicago field office LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke stated that “There is a real danger with bringing faucal matter into the United States”.
According to the director Burke carrying such products caused risk for diseases and serious health issues including the African Swine Fever, Classical Swine Fever, Newcastle disease, Foot and Mouth disease, and Swine Vesicular Disease.
However, she noted that in case one needs to carry such products, they had to undergo analysis by a veterinarian and receive a Veterinary Services Permit before entering the U.S.
Also Read: Kenyan Woman Arrested at Hong Kong Airport, while Attempting to Smuggle Ksh15m Worth of Cocaine
Recent Incidents Reported of Illegal Trafficking
The incident came on the back of several custom law breaches recently reported in Kenya.
On Tuesday, October 3, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) impounded drugs valued at Ksh9 million at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) headed for Indonesia.
Additionally, the directorate stated that the drugs, one kilogram of methamphetamine drug, were hidden inside bicycle sandals in a cargo that was full of shoes.
“Over 1kg of methamphetamine drug concealed inside bicycle saddles was today impounded at the Jomo Kenyatta Intn’l Airport after a consignment bound for Jakarta, Indonesia was flagged,” noted DCI.