US Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialists at the John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) International Mail Facility (IMF) on Friday, May 19, detailed how 630 live insect larvae were flown to America.
In a statement, the US Customs and Border Protection revealed that 630 live insect larvae were concealed within a shipment of artificial flowers from Kenya.
The insect larvae were carefully stashed in the consignment, bypassing tight security checks and inspection in Kenya and flown to the US.
The US officials expressed shock after nabbing the shipment. They did not reveal who exported the insect larvae and the purpose it was intended to serve.
US officials indicated the shipment was seized for violating regulations. According to the report, the consignment arrived in the US on May 3, 2023.
"This latest interception highlights the vigilance and dedication to duty that our CBP Agriculture Specialists demonstrate daily," US Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialists stated.
"By doing so, they ensure that the United States is safe from harmful pests entering our country that could potentially cause grave damage to our agricultural and economic vitality," they added.
President Joe Biden's administration added that the insects posed a danger, especially to US food security. The official further indicated their effect would even cripple the economy, which is recovering from the pandemic's ravaging effect.
"Although many are tiny and seem innocuous, pests can delay global trade, and destabilise our national economy and food supply. A single pest can cause millions of dollars in damages," the statement added.
"To date, almost 28,000 prohibited agriculture items have been seized, and 4,500 pests have been discovered in air cargo by CBPAS at JFK," they added.
By the time of this publication, US Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialists had not revealed the owner of the shipment seized at JKF airport.
However, the authorities vowed to scale up operations targeting traders exporting counterfeit and substandard products.
The statement came after various authorities, including the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, launched a nationwide operation targeting unscrupulous businessmen.
