An individual was apprehended attempting to transport ‘human remains’ through security at a bustling airport. The man justified his actions by claiming he intended to use the remains for a peculiar ritual.
Customs officials at Tampa International Airport in Florida made an alarming discovery this week when they found fragments resembling a human skull and multiple bones hidden in the man’s luggage alongside “prohibited plants“, airport authorities reported. Pictures taken after the items were confiscated reveal the bones wrapped in crumpled tinfoil, presumably to keep them intact inside the suitcase.
The bones were confiscated and disposed of due to being considered a “serious health hazard.” Carlos C Martel, Director of Field Operations at the US Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Miami/Tampa Field Office, stated on social media: “What began with a passenger declaring only 10 cigars at TPA took a bizarre turn.
“CBP Agriculture Specialists uncovered forbidden plants, undeclared cigars, and a duffel bag wrapped in foil containing what appeared to be human remains, including a portion of a skull. The traveler alleged these items were for rituals; however, due to the significant health risks involved, the items were confiscated and disposed of.
“At CBP, we encounter unexpected items in baggage, but smugglers should be aware that we will always investigate thoroughly.”
This incident is not the first instance of human remains being unexpectedly found at an airport.
In 2020, a woman and her daughter were intercepted at an airport after customs officers discovered a man’s remains in their luggage. The women had placed his bones in a box within their suitcase in an attempt to repatriate him to Armenia.
The women, aged 74 and 52, were en route from Greece to Yerevan with a layover in Munich, where German authorities made the peculiar discovery. Customs officials, a physician, and prosecutors were involved, but it was determined that no criminal offense had occurred.
Furthermore, last year, an airport employee<a aria-label=" spoke of his shock after discovering a deceased woman on a luggage conveyor beltLink opens in a new tab." class="TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l" href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/airport-workers-eerie-four-