US captures 1,200 of molluscs, considered a delicacy by some, as they can affect eco-systems and spread diseases to humans
theguardian.com, Friday 29 August 2014 14.49 BST
The giant African snail damages buildings, destroys crops and can cause meningitis in humans. But some people still want to collect – and even eat – the slimy invaders.
The US agriculture department (USDA) is trying to stop them and since June has seized more than 1,200 live specimens of the large snails, also known as giant African land snails. All were traced back to one person in Georgia, who was selling them illegally.
The USDA discovered the snails through a tip from social media at the end of June. It seized more than 200 snails in Long Island, New York, from a person who identified the seller in Georgia.
The department interviewed the trader and seized almost 1,000 more snails, plus one each in Indiana, Pennsylvania and New York. Agriculture officials said the investigation was ongoing and they would not identify any of the individuals.
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Morons who smuggle invasive species into countries, should be SHOT.
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