United States

Giant African Snails Seized at Houston Airport

U.S. Customs and Border protection inspectors in Houston seized six live giant African snails that are a popular delicacy across West Africa.

The snails were found after a passenger from Nigeria declared the animals during a U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the giant African snail is fast becoming an invasive species.

The six snails, seized Feb. 2 at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, are prohibited in the U.S. and have the ability to reproduce very quickly.

Customs and Border Protection Port Director Charles Perez says there is no penalty when international travelers make a truthful declaration.

On an average day in 2014, CBP agriculture specialists around the nation discovered 425 pests at U.S. ports of entry, and 4,447 materials for quarantine.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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