U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents uncovered apparent human remains, including part of a skull, stashed inside a foil-wrapped duffel bag at Tampa International Airport.
The gruesome discovery happened earlier this week when CBP officers inspected luggage belonging to an incoming traveler, who had only declared having ten cigars.
Inside, the agents found not just the human remains, but also prohibited plants, undeclared cigars, and other “bizarre” items that the agency described as posing serious health risks.
When questioned, the traveler claimed the items were intended for use in “rituals,” a vague explanation that’s sparking widespread speculation and concern about what kind of dark practices are being imported into America.
CBP Director of Field Operations Carlos C. Martel didn’t mince words in his statement on X, saying, “Among the undeclared items were prohibited plants, undeclared cigars, and a foil-wrapped duffel bag containing what looked like human remains, including part of a skull.”
“The traveler claimed the items were for rituals, but due to serious health risks, the items were seized and destroyed,” Martel continued.
FROM CIGARS TO BONES?!
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— Director of Field Operations Carlos C. Martel (@DFOFlorida) September 18, 2025
Martel added a pointed jab at smugglers, “At CBP, we never know what baggage may hold, but smugglers should know we’ll always have a bone to pick.”
All the contraband, including the remains, was promptly confiscated and destroyed to prevent any potential dangers to public health.