90 Giant African Land Snails​ Confiscated At Detroit Metro Airport

ROMULUS, MI — Airport officials confiscated 90 Giant African Land Snails from a Ghana traveler passing through Detroit Metro Airport on June 30, according to United States Customs and Border Protection.

Officials found the snails in a smelly tied woven bag after the passenger told them they were carrying several fresh food items, according to officials.

The passenger mentioned they were carrying other prohibited items, such as beef skin and fresh peppers, but never mentioned the snails, which are considered an invasive species in the U.S., according to officials.

Although the snails can be eaten, they have a voracious appetite and cause major crop damage when they escape into the environment, according to officials.

They can also pose a public health threat to humans, according to officials.

The snails can grow up to 8 inches and feed on a wide variety of plants, including many economically important crop plants, and cause structural damage by using stucco on houses to meet their calcium requirement for shell growth, according to officials.

"These snails are an invasive species that could negatively impact our economy," said Acting Port Director John Nowak. "Our agriculture specialists are always keeping a watchful eye out for harmful plants, animals and insects."