The packages are falsely labeled usually as toys, jewelry, or earbuds. The packages, based on photographs and statements from a variety of federal and state government officials are unsolicited. Some seem to have been mailed by China’s state-owned postal company. Others are Amazon-shipped. All have Chinese lettering on the outside of the packages.
Inside the package are seeds. There are all kinds of different seeds popping up and it’s unclear if any of them or invasive, poisonous or potentially threatening to agriculture.
The mysterious seeds have not all been identified. In Louisiana, Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain reported that some of the packages sent to residents there appear to contain seeds for water lily plants.
They are being analyzed by the USDA and many state Agriculture departments.
Anyone that receives these seeds is urged not to open the plastic bag that contains them. Certainly do not plant the seeds. Keep the contents contained in their original packaging and contact your local state agriculture department. It can also be reported to the USDA at the Anti Smuggling Hotline number at 800-877-3835 or by sending an email to [email protected].
