March 29, 2024
Giant millipedes seized at airport
SAN FRANCISCO - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials really got a leg up on a would-be smuggler when they seized 20 giant live millipedes in the mail at San Francisco International Airport.

The foot-long crawly critters were found in a mesh bag in a Styrofoam box labeled “toy car model” that was being sent from Germany and arrived at the U.S. Postal Service International Service Center at SFO. The box also had chunks of soil and paper in it.

Authorities said that while it’s not illegal to import exotic animals, there must be proper permits and documentation to accompany such shipments.

The package in question didn’t have the required import permits and “was misrepresented in an attempt to bypass federal regulations.”

Giant millipedes generally have 256 — not 1,000 — legs, and can be kept as pets. They have a lifespan of about seven to 10 years. (Source: San Francisco Chronicle)
Story Date: September 2, 2014
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