Mysterious Seeds From China Found In Holmdel Packages: Cops

HOLMDEL, NJ – Did you receive a surprise gift postmarked from China recently? Do not open it, warns Holmdel police.

The Holmdel Township Police Department has received several reports from locals regarding unsolicited packages of plant seeds with return addresses in China.

The phenomenon of mysterious plant seed packages from abroad is not unique to Holmdel. Recipients of the suspicious packages have reported the same story across New Jersey and several other states. Read more: 5 Things To Know About Mysterious Seeds In New Jersey

In Holmdel, multiple variations of the phenomenon have been reported: while some seeds arrive in packages with Chinese lettering marked “China Post”, others arrive in packaging claiming the contents are jewelry, according to Holmdel police.

Officials from the United States Department of Agriculture warn that the intent and the type of plants contained in the seeds are still unclear. Residents are urged not to plant the seeds as they could contain invasive species or threaten crops.

The USDA is currently working with the Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection to locate the origin of the packages and test the seeds to determine a potential threat to agriculture or the environment.

“Any resident who receives an unknown package containing the seeds - DO NOT touch the seeds - DO NOT plant the seeds,” the Holmdel police wrote in a social media post on Monday.

The Holmdel Township Police Department urges that any suspicious packages be reported to police headquarters at (732) 946-4400.

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