Context:

A 70-year-old Egyptian man named Hamed Ramadan Bayoumy Aly Marie pleaded guilty in a federal court for kicking Freddie, a 5-year-old Customs and Border Protection (CBP) beagle, during a baggage inspection at Washington Dulles International Airport. The incident occurred when Freddie alerted his handler to Marie's suitcase, leading to the discovery of prohibited agricultural products. Marie was found to be attempting to smuggle over a hundred pounds of undeclared items, including beef, rice, and vegetables, which are banned from entering the U.S. to protect native plant life. As a consequence of his actions, Marie was ordered to pay for the dog's veterinary bills and was subsequently removed to Egypt. The CBP emphasized the importance of its canine partners and vowed to pursue justice for any attacks on its personnel and animals.

Dive Deeper:

• Freddie, a 5-year-old CBP beagle, was kicked and injured by a traveler at Washington Dulles International Airport during a baggage inspection, causing contusions on the right side of his ribs.

• The traveler, 70-year-old Hamed Ramadan Bayoumy Aly Marie, was charged with harming a law enforcement animal, as he kicked Freddie with enough force to lift him off the ground.

• Freddie had alerted his handler to Marie's suitcase, prompting a search that revealed over one hundred pounds of undeclared and prohibited agricultural products.

• The items found included 55 pounds of beef, 44 pounds of rice, and various vegetables and seeds, which are banned from entering the United States to prevent threats to native plant life.

• Marie pleaded guilty in federal court and was ordered to cover the veterinary expenses for Freddie and was deported back to Egypt.

• Christine Waugh, CBP's Area Port Director for D.C., emphasized the reliance on K9 partners like Freddie and stated that any attack on them is taken seriously and dealt with swiftly.

• CBP reiterated its commitment to working with investigative and prosecuting partners to ensure that justice is served for any malicious attacks on their personnel and animals.