A 70-year-old Egyptian man attempting to smuggle over 100 pounds of food products through Dulles International Airport is facing serious consequences after he physically attacked a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) beagle who sniffed out his smuggling attempt.
The man, identified as Hamed Ramadan Bayoumy Aly Marie, was arrested and deported after violently kicking the dog, Freddie, a five-year-old CBP Beagle.
Smuggling Attempt Exposed by CBP Beagle Freddie
Marie arrived at Dulles Airport on Tuesday from Cairo and was immediately met by Freddie, one of CBP’s specialized detector dogs.
As Freddie alerted his handlers to the suspicious bags, the elderly man kicked the 25-pound beagle with such force that it lifted Freddie into the air.
The CBP officers who were present then proceeded to inspect Marie’s luggage, uncovering an extensive haul of undeclared and prohibited agricultural products. Inside his bags, they found 55 pounds of beef, 44 pounds of rice, 15 pounds of eggplant, two pounds of corn seeds, cucumbers, bell peppers, and one pound of herbs—enough items to supply a small restaurant.
Violent Attack Leads to Immediate Action
Marie’s actions were met with swift consequences. He was charged with harming an animal used in law enforcement, a federal crime.
He was found guilty during his court appearance and was subsequently deported back to Egypt. Marie was placed on a flight back to his home country at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday.
“Being caught deliberately smuggling well over one hundred pounds of undeclared prohibited agricultural products does not give one permission to violently assault a defenseless Customs and Border Protection beagle,” Christine Waugh, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington, D.C., said in a statement.
Freddie the Beagle: A True Hero
Despite the assault, Freddie the beagle is expected to make a full recovery from the contusion to his forward right rib area. CBP’s K-9s, including Freddie, play an essential role in protecting U.S. borders and preventing the illegal entry of harmful goods, especially agriculture products that could pose a risk to local ecosystems and economy.
“Freddie was just doing his job,” Waugh 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.”
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Freddie is back on duty, ensuring that illegal or undeclared products continue to be intercepted before entering the United States.
What Do You Think?
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To stay updated on more news about CBP efforts and animal safety in law enforcement, visit RidgecrestPact.org.
