What started as a routine check at Tampa International Airport in Florida took a ghastly turn last week when customs agents found what appeared to be human remains in someone’s luggage.
The traveler initially declared 10 cigars, but U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents at the airport discovered much more, according to Carlos Martel, director of field operations in the area. Martel wrote on X that agents found a skull and other remains wrapped in foil inside of a duffel bag.
“The traveler claimed the items were for rituals, but due to serious health risks, the items were seized and destroyed,” he wrote.
Images Martel shared online indeed showed a skull and other small bones inside aluminum foil.
“At @CBP, we never know what baggage may hold, but smugglers should know we’ll always have a bone to pick,” Martel wrote.
He also said agents found prohibited plants and other undeclared cigars. Representatives for Customs and Border Protection did not immediately respond to a request for more information about the incident.
According to the customs website, passengers traveling with remains meant for burial or cremation are required to bring death certificates. They are also required to do so in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requirements.