Weevil Stopped at LAX

A weevil's trip to the United States was cut short thanks to customs inspectors at LAX.

Agriculture specialists found a Pseudapion seminudum Wagner in a 640-pound shipment of organic basil, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

The insects pose a risk to agriculture, according to experts.

Naveeda Mirza, of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection field office, told the Los Angeles Times, "LAX has never had this kind of bug before."

The importer -- given the option of treatment, destruction or re-exporting -- chose to have the basil treated under USDA supervision.

Copyright City News Service
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