When travelers return from overseas trips, they typically worry about whether their souvenirs will survive the flight. But at Detroit Metro Airport, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents are discovering items in passenger luggage that pose serious threats to American crops, the environment and public health.

Agriculture specialist Tyler Fox, who has worked with CBP for over 20 years, spends his days preventing harmful pests and diseases from entering the country. His work takes place in a restricted airport laboratory where confiscated contraband is investigated and analyzed.

"This is one week's worth of contraband," Fox said, gesturing to tables covered with seized items.

The lab contains an alarming variety of prohibited materials, from exotic fruits and vegetables to seeds intend

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