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Buffalo, New York - U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the interception of harmful Cogon Grass seeds discovered during the inspection of a bus passenger at the Peace Bridge border crossing.

On February 17, CBP agriculture specialists encountered a Canadian citizen as he applied for entry into the United States as a passenger aboard a commercial bus at the Peace Bridge border crossing in Buffalo, N.Y. The subject advised CBPAS that he was en route to visit family in Philadelphia and claimed to be in possession of dried citrus peels for personal consumption.

A search of the individual’s personal belongings revealed the citrus peels were contained in a small paper bag and a tin cookie canister. The citrus peels were deemed inadmissible, and were abandoned by the traveler and seized by CBP.

During a detailed examination of the citrus peels for evidence of insects, disease, or contaminants, CBPAS discovered seeds of an unknown species. The seeds were sent to the United States Department of Agriculture identification laboratory for routine identification. The citrus peels were subsequently destroyed by CBP. On, March 10, a final report from USDA positively identified the seed as Imperata cylindrica (Linnaeus) Beauvois (Poaceae), commonly known as Cogon Grass.

Cogon grass is a fast-growing Asian weed that was initially introduced to America as a packing material. Cogon grass has been ranked among one of the “10 worst weeds of the world” and has a tendency to form dense, persistent growth and can displace other vegetation. It has been known to kill pine seedlings and is a hot-burning fire hazard.

“CBP agriculture specialists work diligently to safeguard American agriculture by preventing the introduction of harmful plant pests, and foreign animal diseases from entering our country,” said Helen Sterling, acting CBP director of field operations for the Buffalo Field Office.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.