Invasive Beetle Found In Baggage At Detroit Metro Airport: Officials

ROMULUS, MI — Officials at Detroit Metro Airport found remains of an invasive beetle from South Asia during an international baggage check in June, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said.

Parts of a khapra beetle were found in a bag of rice that originated in India during a routine an X-ray screening of baggage upon re-entry into the U.S., officials said in a statement Tuesday.

"Khapra beetles are not native to the U.S. and its introduction could have dire economic consequences," Detroit Metropolitan Airport Area Port Director Robert Larkin said. "We take the threat of such an infestation very seriously, and our agriculture specialists work diligently to prevent it."

The khapra beetle, native to South Asia, is one of the world’s most destructive pests of stored grain products and seeds, and previous U.S. detections have required massive, long-term, and costly control and eradication efforts.

The beetle can survive without food for long periods, requires little moisture, hides in tiny cracks and crevices and is relatively resistant to many insecticides and fumigants.

Many agriculture products are prohibited entry into the U.S. from certain countries because they can carry plant pests and foreign animal diseases.

Officials encouraged travelers to learn more about current regulations before attempting to bring certain items into the U.S. to avoid penalties, seizures and even arrest.