Human Skull And Bones Found In Foil-Wrapped Bag At Tampa Airport In Florida

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers made a startling discovery at Tampa International Airport in Florida - human remains concealed in a passenger's luggage, according to CBS News. The discovery included partial skull fragments and bones, which were wrapped in aluminum foil inside the traveler's bag. The report indicates that the passenger initially declared only 10 cigars during customs inspection, but further examination revealed prohibited plants and multiple undeclared items. Authorities have not released the passenger's identity or specified what charges might follow.

CBP Director of Field Operations Carlos C Martel explained that agriculture specialists initially flagged the bag for prohibited plant materials. Upon thorough inspection, officers were shocked to discover a human skull and bones concealed in a foil-wrapped duffel bag. Curiously, the passenger claimed the human remains were intended for ritual purposes.

🚬 FROM CIGARS TO BONES?! 💀What started as a passenger declaring just 10 cigars at @FlyTPA turned bizarre. CBP Agriculture Specialists uncovered prohibited plants, undeclared cigars, and a foil-wrapped duffel bag containing what looked like human remains, including part of a… pic.twitter.com/yxFKtU5EQP

Martel detailed the incident in a post on X, stating: "What started as a passenger declaring just 10 cigars at @FlyTPA turned bizarre. CBP Agriculture Specialists uncovered prohibited plants, undeclared cigars, and a foil-wrapped duffel bag containing what looked like human remains, including part of a skull."

He continued, "The traveler claimed the items were for rituals, but due to serious health risks, the items were seized and destroyed. At @CBP, we never know what baggage may hold, but smugglers should know we'll always have a bone to pick."

Due to significant public health concerns, the human remains were promptly destroyed. Meanwhile, authorities are investigating how these bones entered the country and evaluating potential charges against the traveler.

The transportation of human remains is strictly regulated internationally. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requires specific documentation for bringing human remains into the country.

Standard regulations typically require a death certificate and leak-proof containers for non-cremated remains. Violations can result in legal consequences, including charges for making false statements or obstructing justice. However, cremated remains, properly embalmed bodies, and clean, dry bones can legally be imported without requiring a special permit.