FBI arrest another Chinese national with smuggling in biological matter

U.S. Border Patrol has arrested a third Chinese national, they say was responsible for smuggling biological matter into the U.S., specifically nematodes.

The Chinese scientist was taken into custody at the Detroit airport. She is accused of sending biological materials to the University of Michigan, where she was going to study. The FBI says the package contained material related to nematodes and says shipments like that require a permit from the government.

This arrest comes just a week after another researcher at the University of Michigan was taken into custody on similar charges. The FBI says she and her boyfriend smuggled in a fungus that causes head blight in crops, also through the Detroit airport.

Related Stories
March cold storage data showed generally tighter year-over-year stock levels across several key meat and dairy categories.
Spring Weather Splits Conditions Across American Farm Country
NAAA’s Andrew Moore joins us to discuss the role of ag aircraft in crop protection and emerging concerns surrounding stolen agricultural drones.
Dr. Peter Beetham with Cibus joins us to discuss the Supreme Court review of a case about glyphosate use, its potential impact on Bayer and Roundup, farmers who use the products, and the ag industry as a whole.
Meredith Petersen joined us to discuss the National Swine Health Strategy, how it was developed through industry collaboration, potential challenges ahead, and its expected benefits for pork producers.
K-State researchers advise producers to take action, highlighting that prevention is essential for controlling tick populations as cases spread West.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Feed demand and premiums drive growth for the crop
Purdue economist Dr. Joana Colussi discussed the U.S. and Brazil’s reliance on imported fertilizers and their impact on global food security amid rising input costs.
RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper joined us to discuss the proposed E15 amendment in the Farm Bill, industry reaction to the legislation, and the outlook for year-round E15 sales.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins plans a farm visit in Missouri, hinting at a possible fertilizer relief announcement on RFD-TV earlier this week. USDA also restructures its research infrastructure and launches new food-safety centers.
As part of this effort, USDA will establish a new National Food Safety Center (NFSC) in Urbandale, Iowa, which will serve as the primary hub for FSIS administrative, technical, and support operations.