TAMPA, Fla. – You may have heard of having skeletons in your closet? This is a whole new level.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officials say a traveler tried to come through Tampa International Airport with apparent human remains in their luggage.
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In a post on X.com, Carlos Martel, director of field operations for CBP, shared that a passenger recently went through customs and declared 10 cigars.
🚬 FROM CIGARS TO BONES?! 💀
— Director of Field Operations Carlos C. Martel (@DFOFlorida) September 18, 2025
What started as a passenger declaring just 10 cigars at @FlyTPA turned bizarre. CBP Agriculture Specialists uncovered prohibited plants, undeclared cigars, and a foil-wrapped duffel bag containing what looked like human remains, including part of a… pic.twitter.com/yxFKtU5EQP
However, agents found more cigars, prohibited plants, and several bones wrapped in foil, including at least part of a human skull.
“The traveler claimed the items were for rituals, but due to serious health risks, the items were seized and destroyed,” Martel said.
News 6 asked when the discovery was made and whether the traveler was disciplined in any way.
A spokesperson for homeland security investigations said they could not provide any details because the investigation was ongoing.