Human Skull And Remains Found In Traveler’s Bag At Tampa International

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Tampa International Airport in Florida made a disturbing discovery when they found human remains, including a skull, in a traveler’s luggage during what began as a routine inspection. According to Carlos Martel, Director of Field Operations for the area, the traveler initially declared only 10 cigars upon arrival.

However, when CBP agriculture specialists examined the passenger’s belongings, they uncovered prohibited plants, additional undeclared cigars, and a foil-wrapped duffel bag containing what appeared to be human bones, including part of a skull. Per CBS News, officials reported that the passenger claimed the items were intended for “rituals.” Still, due to serious health concerns, the remains were promptly seized and destroyed by customs authorities.

Details Of The Discovery

The incident occurred around September 18, 2025, at Tampa International Airport when CBP agriculture specialists conducted a standard inspection of the traveler’s luggage. “What started as a passenger declaring just 10 cigars at Tampa International Airport turned bizarre,” wrote Carlos C. Martel in a post on social media platform X.

The inspection revealed not only the undeclared items but also the human remains wrapped in aluminum foil. Martel shared photos of the discovery online. The pictures show what appeared to be a skull and other bone fragments partially wrapped in foil. The images also showed officers wearing gloves while inspecting the luggage, with the seized items displayed in evidence bags.

CBP officials stated that the human remains posed “serious health risks” and were therefore seized and destroyed following standard protocols. According to the CBP website, passengers traveling with human remains intended for burial must be accompanied by a death certificate. If the certificate is in a language other than English, it should include an English translation.

CBP officers examine death certificates to determine the cause of death and ensure that remains are transported in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requirements.

Import Requirements For Human Remains

The CDC has specific documentation requirements for bringing human remains into the United States. Regulations vary depending on whether the remains are embalmed, cremated, or if the deceased died from an infectious disease. In most cases, a death certificate stating the cause of death must accompany the remains, along with official export and import clearances.

Federal regulations require that non-cremated remains be shipped in leak-proof containers to prevent the spread of potential pathogens. Certain types of remains are not subject to additional requirements. These include clean and dry bones or bone fragments, human hair, teeth, fingernails, toenails, and cremated remains. For cremated remains, a death certificate is not required upon entry into the United States.

Following the discovery, Martel commented on social media: “At CBP, we never know what baggage may hold, but smugglers should know we’ll always have a bone to pick.”

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