Pounds Of Cheese Wrapped In Animal Skins Seized At Philly Airport

PHILADELPHIA — Customs and Border Protection in Philadelphia seized another extremely odd item at the Philadelphia International Airport recently, this time with the help of an agriculture detector dog.

On Nov. 16, authorities seized nearly 16 pounds of unpasteurized cheese wrapped in unknown animal skins at Philadelphia International Airport.

While inspecting travelers from a flight that arrived from Turkey, CBP agriculture K9 Potter honed in on a couple’s baggage.

During a secondary examination, CBP agriculture specialists found five tanned animal skins balled up and stitched closed.

Inside they discovered 15 pounds and 10 ounces, of soft cheese, officials said.

The skins and cheese were prohibited without veterinary certification due to the skins being a potential carrier of animal diseases.

After being seized, the skins and cheese were destroyed.

CBP agriculture specialists often see increases in prohibited agriculture products during the holidays when foreign nations bring traditional meals and products to celebrate with family in the United States.

The couple, who CBP released, were destined to an address in Burlington County, New Jersey.

Recently, Customs and Border Protection officials seized a severed fox head from travelers at the Philadelphia International Airport.