Human Skull and Bones Passenger Was Carrying ‘for Ritual’ Are Destroyed After Being Found in Their Luggage at Florida Airport

A suspected human skull and bones were found in a passenger’s luggage at a Florida airport.

The remains were discovered wrapped in foil during a routine baggage check at Tampa International Airport (TPA), according to Carlos C. Martel, Director of Field Operations, who shared the information on X on Thursday, Sept. 18.

“What started as a passenger declaring just 10 cigars at @FlyTPA turned bizarre,” Martel wrote on X. “CBP Agriculture Specialists uncovered prohibited plants, undeclared cigars, and a foil-wrapped duffel bag containing what looked like human remains, including part of a skull.”

Authorities said the unidentified passenger claimed the items were brought along for “rituals.”

“Due to serious health risks, the items were seized and destroyed,” Martel added.

Photos released by Martel show the top part of what appears to be a human skull and several bones wrapped in foil. A customs officer can be seen inspecting the remains on a table.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), passengers traveling with human remains must provide a death certificate. A CDC import permit may also be required if the remains are “imported for any purpose other than burial, entombment, or cremation.”

“All non-cremated remains must be fully contained within a leak-proof container that is packaged and shipped in accordance with all applicable legal requirements. This requirement does not apply to cremated remains, clean and dry bones…” the CDC stated.

“The requirement for leak-proof containers is based on medical infection prevention and control practices (i.e., Standard Precautions) to prevent exposure to blood and other body fluids,” the CDC added.

“At @CBP, we never know what baggage may hold, but smugglers should know we’ll always have a bone to pick,” Martel wrote on X.

No information has been shared on whether the passenger will face charges.