Federal charges filed after vials containing monkeypox material found at Detroit airport

Two researchers are facing federal charges after authorities say they attempted to bring vials containing monkeypox-related material into the United States.

(NBC)- Two researchers are facing federal charges after authorities say they attempted to bring vials containing monkeypox-related material into the United States through Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

According to a federal criminal complaint, Vincent Munster and Claude Kwe arrived at the airport on Jan. 25 after traveling from Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo, where a monkeypox outbreak was underway.

Investigators say U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers stopped the pair after noticing a large black case. The complaint states the researchers told officials the case contained diagnostic equipment.

However, federal agents later discovered 113 vials stored inside Styrofoam coolers.

The FBI has tested 20 of the vials so far. According to court documents, 17 contained deactivated monkeypox virus, one contained chickenpox virus, and two contained human DNA.

In a statement, the National Institutes of Health said agency leaders were notified in January and quickly implemented security protocols, including securing laboratory spaces, restricting access, and auditing research materials.

NIH officials said personnel actions were taken and that there was no risk to staff or the public at Rocky Mountain Laboratories. The agency added that it is cooperating with law enforcement but is not releasing additional details because the investigation remains active.

The case remains under investigation. NBC Montana reported that it reached out to Rocky Mountain Laboratories for comment but did not receive a response.