Remains Of Dangerous Beetle Found At Detroit Metro Airport

ROMULUS, MI — Detroit Metro Airport officials found the remains of a khapra beetle in a passenger's luggage last April, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Officials said the beetle is "one of the world's most invasive grain pest."

The passenger was returning from Lebanon and was referred for an agricultural inspection where officials found a small bag of seeds intended for growing. They went on to find a single cast skin from the beetle in the bag of seeds.

Officials seized the seeds and warned the traveler to declare all imported agricultural goods.

"Khapra beetle is one of the many significant threats we face at our borders," Area Port Director Fadia Pastilong said. "This particularly destructive insect is known to be extremely difficult to detect, which is why even intercepting a cast skin is a big deal."

Officials said the khapra beetle can devastate the nation’s agricultural economy. They said when it enters warehouses or granaries, it causes several stored products to be inedible.

The beetle can also go dormant and is resistant to pesticides, resulting in costly control efforts for agricultural workers, officials said.

"We understand there may not be an explicit intent to bring a destructive pest into the U.S., but that is why it is absolutely essential for travelers to make an honest declaration of what they are bringing in," CBP Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon said. "This allows CBP personnel to examine items, if necessary, to determine if they are permissible and free of any potential threats."