PHOTOS: The Smell Of Durian Led Ben-Gurion Airport Inspectors To The Abandoned Bag

(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

A black bag left unattended in Terminal 3 at Ben-Gurion International Airport containing durian fruit, which is known for its large size, strong odor and thorn-covered exterior – its offensive smell led officials to the bag, and its contents were destroyed

The black bag containing the durians was left next to a trash bin in the reception area of Terminal 3. According to airport officials, the stench from the bag resulted in officials detecting it. Officials were able to trace the abandoned bag to an Indian national who is employed in Israel. He abandoned it when he realized inspectors would not him enter the country with it and the sniffing dogs were certain to detect the bag’s contents.

The inspectors contacted the passenger, who was warned to never abandon a bag in the airport again. The fruits were taken and destroyed. Agriculture Ministry officials explain that entry of the fruit might introduce new issues in the industry that do not exist in Israel to date and such insects or disease may compromise local agricultural growth and/or lead to irreparable damage to the industry.