U.S. Customs and Border Protection for Agriculture at the Port of Baltimore (CBP)

By: Caitlyn McIntosh

Edited by: Siyana Randolph

Protecting the Port from Hidden Threats

Every day, thousands of containers arrive at the Port of Baltimore loaded with goods from around the world. Hidden among them could be insects, seeds, or plant diseases capable of threatening American agriculture. The first line of defense against these invisible invaders is the team of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agricultural specialists who inspect shipments and stop harmful organisms before they spread.

Inspecting cut flowers for invasives and disease. (Courtesy of US CBP)

What Is CBP and Why Does It Matter?

CBP protects the United States from threats entering through trade and travel. While many people associate Customs with intercepting illegal goods, an equally vital division focuses on agriculture. These specialists inspect plants, soil, and animal products to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases that could damage crops, livestock, and ecosystems.

The Area Port of Baltimore spans more than 115 miles of Maryland’s coast, including marinas and cargo terminals. Agricultural inspectors use risk-based analysis to determine which shipments are most likely to contain invasive species. On a typical day, CBP teams across the country find more than 230 pests and over 3,000 quarantined materials—evidence of how active the threat remains.

Agricultural Inspections in Action

CBP inspectors rely on a mix of tools and teamwork. Using flashlights, glass vials, and magnifiers, they search cargo holds, crawl under containers, and collect samples for lab analysis. Trained detector dogs play a crucial role as well. In Baltimore, dogs like ‘Gatsby’—a beagle from the agency’s 'Beagle Brigade'—sniff out prohibited fruits, plants, and other agricultural products in passenger luggage and shipping containers.

What Inspectors Find

CBP specialists in Baltimore have discovered numerous invasive species. These include stilt bugs and Lepidoptera larvae; both capable of destroying crops and trees. In one case, inspectors intercepted cogon grass seeds in imported farm machinery. The U.S. Department of Agriculture lists cogon grass among the ten most dangerous weeds in the world for its ability to spread quickly and outcompete native plants.

Identifying threats to US agriculture in imported seeds and grains. (Courtesy of US CBP)

In 2019, inspectors also found Asian gypsy moth egg masses on four ships docked in Baltimore. These moths can devastate hardwood forests. CBP removed the eggs and treated the affected areas to stop their spread. Other finds include amber snails, small mollusks so invasive that entire shipping containers were returned overseas to prevent contamination.

The Beagle Brigade at Work

CBP’s canine inspectors often uncover threats that humans might miss. At Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Gatsby once alerted officers to a family’s luggage containing 21 propagative plants and several bags of bulbs. Inside, inspectors found worms and snails. The passengers were fined, and the samples were sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for identification. Each discovery helps protect U.S. farms and forests from new infestations.

Why Agricultural Screening Protects Us All

Before importing any plants or animals into the United States, importers must obtain phytosanitary certificates proving that the materials are pest-free. Even one contaminated shipment could cause widespread damage. The work of CBP agricultural specialists ensures that what enters the country supports trade and growth—not ecological disaster.

Through their expertise, technology, and tireless vigilance, CBP inspectors at the Port of Baltimore safeguard the U.S. food supply and environment. Their work may be behind the scenes, but it is vital to keeping the nation’s ports, farms, and ecosystems safe.