A sniffer dog named Maisy detected a large haul of prohibited items in a suitcase arriving from Thailand at a US border checkpoint. According to officials, the dog alerted handlers to the luggage, which contained 50 pounds of raw meat, mangoes, and 16 pounds of a Bengal monitor lizard. The total weight of the seized items was 99 pounds.
The discovery prompted a wildlife seizure. Bringing such items into the country is illegal because they can carry diseases harmful to local animals and humans. The raw meat and plants were also not allowed without proper permits.
Maisy is part of the K9 unit trained to sniff out agricultural products and wildlife. This is not the first time such finds have been made, but the amount of meat and the presence of a monitor lizard make this seizure notable. The investigation into the passenger is ongoing.
Authorities remind travelers that all food and animal products must be declared. Smuggling them can lead to fines or legal action.