Ghanaian man with giant snails in his luggage briefly detained at Michigan airport

An unnamed Ghanaian traveler was briefly held by US border officials after banned Giant African Snails were discovered in his luggage. The incident occurred on March 9, when the man arrived at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport and had his luggage inspected by Customs and Border Protection officers, who found the snails. The traveler, a Ghanaian resident, claimed that he intended to eat the snails, and he was later released without any further action being taken against him.

Although the incident took place on March 9, customs officials only revealed it to the media on March 17. They did not disclose whether the traveler was allowed to take the snails with him. Steven Bansbach, a spokesman for Customs and Border Protection, noted that it is not unusual for travelers to bring food items from their home countries, but that the inspection process at US ports of entry is critical for preventing potential public health or environmental hazards.

Giant African Land Snails are prohibited in Michigan and throughout the United States because they can carry diseases that can harm humans. They can grow up to eight inches long and eat over 500 different plant species, as well as plaster and stucco on buildings. Additionally, they can produce up to 1,200 eggs per year and can carry a parasite called rat lungworm, which can cause meningitis in humans.

Port Director Robert Larkin stated that Customs and Border Protection officers and agricultural specialists work hard to identify and intercept potential threats before they can harm US interests.

–The Post Ghana