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CBP Finds Human Remains, Including Skull, in Traveler's Luggage at Tampa Airport

A shocking discovery at Tampa Airport: human remains, including a skull, found in a traveler's luggage. CBP destroyed the remains due to health concerns.

This image is taken inside an airplane. In this image there is a man on the left side. Beside him...
This image is taken inside an airplane. In this image there is a man on the left side. Beside him there are few people sitting in the seats. In the middle there is a person who is keeping the luggage in the cupboards. In the middle there is a person standing by wearing the bag.

CBP Finds Human Remains, Including Skull, in Traveler's Luggage at Tampa Airport

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Tampa International Airport recently made a grim discovery: human remains, including a skull, hidden in a traveler's luggage during a routine inspection on September 18, 2025.

The shocking find occurred when CBP agriculture specialists were conducting a standard inspection. The passenger had declared only 10 cigars, but officers found prohibited plants, additional undeclared cigars, and a foil-wrapped duffel bag containing human bones, including part of a skull. The passenger claimed the human remains were intended for 'rituals'. However, CBP officials seized and destroyed the remains due to serious health concerns.

CBP has specific regulations for passengers traveling with human remains. A death certificate is required, with additional documentation needed depending on the condition of the remains. The CDC also has specific guidelines for bringing human remains into the United States. In this case, the passenger failed to meet these requirements.

Following the discovery, CBP officials commented that smugglers should be aware of the consequences. The passenger is now under investigation. The seized items, including the human remains, were destroyed to mitigate potential health risks.

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