Nigerian Snails seized at US Airport, considered dangerous

Nigerian Snails seized at US Airport,

They are voracious pests, US Customs say

A shipment of Giant African snails, moving from Nigeria to the United States of America, has been seized at the Los Angeles International Airport.

According to SkyNews, the snails, 67 of them, weighing up to 1kg each and measuring about 15cm in length, were confiscated by US customs officials who did not care about how the snails were ranked on Nigeria’a delicacy tables. They said they were considered pests!

It was the largest such shipment ever seized at LAX, the US Customs and Border Protection agency said.

They acknowledged that the paperwork on the snails which arrived in two plastic baskets, described them as being for human consumption.

Snails are a “can die for” delicacy in Nigeria but noted to be voracious pests, eating plants as well as certain finishings of houses, both on the walls and ceiling.

It was learnt that the San Dimas, California bound package had been incinerated by the US Department of Agriculture, because according to the Sky News report: “The creatures are prohibited from entry because they pose a serious threat to agriculture, the environment and public health. The giant snails can consume more than 500 types of plants, and will even munch on the exterior of homes if fruits and vegetables are not available. They also can carry several parasites harmful to humans, including one that can lead to meningitis.