Customs Seizes Human Brain in Shipment Bound for U.S.

PORT HURON, Mich – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seize human brain in international mail at Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron last week.

On February 14, CBP officers assigned to the Area Port of Port Huron referred a Canadian mail truck that had just crossed the Blue Water Bridge for an inspection at the Centralized Examination Station, in Marysville. During this routine mail operation, a shipment manifested as an “Antique Teaching Specimen” was targeted for inspection. Upon opening the shipment, CBP officers found the package to contain a human brain specimen inside of a clear glass mason jar without any paperwork or documentation in support of its lawful entry into the United States.

The shipment which originated in Toronto, Canada was destined for Kenosha, Wisconsin.

“Individuals looking to import shipments such as this, need to remember that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a strict Import Permit Program that must be adhered to,” said Area Port Director Michael Fox. “This is just another great example of just one of the many things CBP officers do to protect our nation on a daily basis.”

CBP Agriculture Specialists in Port Huron are currently in contact with the CDC regarding the brain specimen pursuant to 42 CFR 71.54, import regulations for infectious biological agents, infectious substances, and vectors for final disposition of the specimen.