WASHINGTON, D.C. — An Egyptian tourist was deported this week after violently kicking a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) dog that detected contraband food in his luggage at Washington Dulles International Airport.
The incident occurred on Tuesday when Hamed Ramadan Bayoumy Aly Marie, 70, arrived from Cairo and was waiting for his baggage. CBP beagle Freddie had alerted officers to one of Marie’s bags. Inside, authorities discovered more than 100 pounds of prohibited food items, including:
- 55 pounds of beef meat
- 44 pounds of rice
- 15 pounds of eggplant, cucumbers, and bell peppers
- Two pounds of corn seeds
- One pound of herbs
As Freddie’s handler questioned Marie about the undeclared items, the passenger suddenly lashed out, kicking the beagle so hard that the dog flew into the air.
Footage captured Freddie first on his hind legs, followed by a shot of him airborne. A veterinarian examination later revealed that Freddie suffered contusions on his right forward rib area.
Marie pleaded guilty to harming a government service animal and was ordered to pay veterinary costs before being immediately deported from the United States.
“Being caught deliberately smuggling well over one hundred pounds of undeclared and prohibited agriculture products does not give one permission to violently assault a defenseless CBP beagle,” said Christine Waugh, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington, D.C.
She added, “Any malicious attack on one of us is an attack on all of us, and CBP will continue to work with our investigating and prosecuting partners to deal swift and severe justice to perpetrators.”
CBP stressed that its Beagle Brigade plays a critical role in protecting U.S. agriculture by preventing harmful pests, animal diseases, and invasive species from entering the country. Such biosecurity threats can cost nations millions or even billions in eradication efforts and economic losses.
