Jul 2, 2008 1:31 pm US/Eastern
Pa. Postal Workers Honored For Bug Discovery
MOHNTON, Pa (CBS 3) ―
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security
A group of Berks County postal employees will be honored for their
alertness in preventing a dangerous shipment of beetles from entering the United States.
Michael Lovejoy, director of The Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs
and Border Protection's Baltimore Field Operations, will honor employees at the
Mohnton, Pa. Post Office for the discovery and interception of over two dozen
highly dangerous Asian beetles on May 7, 2008.
The beetles were found when a postal employee notified authorities after
hearing scratching coming from inside of a parcel shipped from Taiwan.
Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialists opened the box in a
secure laboratory and discovered 26 enormous Asian beetles, including the
Hercules, Rhinoceros and Goliath species. The beetles, which are considered
highly destructive insect pests, were exterminated.
"This is an excellent opportunity for CBP to formally recognize the
Mohnton Post Office staff for their exceptional vigilance in safeguarding our
nation's agricultural and ecological interests," said Lovejoy. "Protecting
our homeland takes a team effort and our partners in the U.S. Postal Service
are vital and valued members of our team."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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