January 20, 2010 - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted a jeweled beetle at Gateway International Bridge. The beetle was being worn as live jewelry by a traveler as she approached the primary lanes. On January 12, a traveler arriving from Mexico declared a live jeweled beetle to a primary CBP officer. The traveler bought the jeweled incrusted beetle in Mexico to be worn as jewelry. The brooch was attached to the travelers’ sweater by a chain and safety pin. CBP officers referred the vehicle to secondary for agriculture inspection. At secondary the traveler once again declared the crawling beetle to CBP officers. The importer lacked the required live plant pest importation documentation for the live jewelry.
CBP officers seized the decorative clothing accessory and sent the live beetle to the Plant Inspection Station at Los Indios International Bridge for further identification. Because the traveler declared the insect no monetary civil penalty was issued.
Moving live plant pests in any form, including pets, imported into or exported from the United States must be declared to CBP on PPQ form 526 declaration for importation or exportation, must be properly labeled and packaged prior to release by CBP.
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