In an operation customs agents are calling, the “Beetle Invasion Tour,” U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialists stopped a destructive species from entering the country.
On January 19, while performing an inspection of a shipment of personal effects from Saudi Arabia, agents discovered two cardboard boxes with clothing, spices, coffee, and other household items. While inspecting rice contained in the boxes, specialists discovered a suspected Trogoderma specimen (known as khapra beetle) and related skins.
After testing is was revealed that it was in fact, the khapra beetle. This specific type of beetle is one of the world’s most destructive to grain in seeds.
“CBP Agriculture Specialists have once again made a critical intercept of a destructive pest that could potentially cause grave damage to our Agricultural and Economic vitality,” said Robert E. Perez, Director, Field Operations, New York Field Office.
