CBP dog sniffs out something unusual in passenger’s luggage — mummified monkeys

BOSTON — A U.S. Customs and Border Protection dog has sniffed out something unusual in the luggage of a traveler returning from Africa: mummified monkeys.

The passenger returning from a visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo reported the luggage contained dried fish, but an inspection at Boston Logan Airport revealed the dead and dehydrated bodies of four monkeys, agents said.

Raw or minimally processed wild animal meat, also known as bushmeat, is banned in the US due to the threat of disease.

“The potential dangers associated with bringing bushmeat into the United States are real. Bushmeat can contain pathogens that can cause illness, including the Ebola virus,” said Julio Caravia, local port director for Customs and Border Protection.

The incident happened last month but was made public on Friday.

Ryan Bissette, a CPB spokesman, said Sunday that no charges had been filed, but all luggage had been seized and the nearly 10 pounds of bushmeat had been marked for destruction by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.