Chicago O’Hare International Airport, one of the busiest travel hubs in the world, made headlines this week after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials confiscated several illegal and disturbing items from an arriving passenger’s luggage—including monkey meat.
The traveler, arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo, was stopped during a routine inspection at O’Hare. Upon examination of their luggage, officers discovered over 11 pounds of pest-infested beans, 17 pounds of unidentifiable plant material, and approximately 4 pounds of dried monkey meat, which was later classified as non-human primate meat. In addition to the monkey meat, authorities also seized what they described as mummified small primates.
The CBP shared images of the items on social media, stating that while the passenger believed the food was permissible, it clearly was not. All confiscated goods were destroyed, and the traveler was not charged with any crime.
Under U.S. law, importing bushmeat—meat derived from wild animals such as monkeys, antelope, or rodents—is strictly prohibited. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that bushmeat, including monkey meat, poses a serious health risk due to the potential presence of infectious diseases and pests.
Officials emphasized that any amount of monkey meat or bushmeat found at U.S. entry points will be seized and destroyed. Offenders may also face fines up to $250,000 for violating federal import regulations.
This incident adds to an already turbulent year for Chicago O’Hare, which has dealt with extreme weather-related flight disruptions, public safety incidents, and ongoing logistical challenges.