Friday, July 30, 2010

Contraband!





(Above: Now you, too, can smuggle items through customs! How exciting!)


Every time I fly into the US from another country, I always see people having their luggage inspected by customs officials, and I can't help but think, "What the heck have they got in there??"

Now I know.

Artist Taryn Simon spent five days photographing contraband smuggled into the US via Kennedy Airport. Bush meat, BBQ guinea pig, drugs, and (my favorite) unidentifiable animal fat are just a few of the fascinating objects removed from people's luggage. 40 of Ms. Simon's photos can now be seen at the NY Times website. Check 'em out and vote for your favorite!

7 comments:

brave chickens said...

Very interesting.
In Australia, we've got a whole show dedicated to border security. The things people do to smuggle drugs, is disgusting.

montana irregulars said...

My favorite thing that a person tried to smuggle onto a plane is brass knuckles.Who would think that that is legal?!?

MysteryJellyfish said...

I love the pictures. I wish the people at the airport, could cut some slack, I mean really.

Chocolatier said...

Deer penis? Really? i'd love to know the story behind THAT one.
Also, the date-rape drug says "pure cleaner" on it. What if the guy was planning on using it to clean?

Kitty said...

That reminds me of the story of this person who smuggled rotten meat on a plane and the maggots from it were dropping out of the luggage compartments XD

Anonymous said...

Dear Readers:

My pal Jeff is philosphical about the twenty or thirty bucks of vanilla extract Immigrations and Customs Enforcement took off him the last time he tried crossing from Tijuiaha with baking supplies. Jeff does a LOT of baking. aAt least they didn't mess with the tortiilla press. Actually, it might have been better if they left him with the vanilla and took the comel -- the flattened scone experiment will not be repeated for good reason.

MushroomCloud said...

Ok I just have a question. Actuallly two. Why the heck would anyone bring a dead bird on an airplane? and: What's wrong with nesting dolls?