STORM2K

Monkey Smuggled Into FLL Raises Health Concerns

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The monkey smuggled on board a Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale will be quarantined and tested for any possible diseases that could have put passengers at risk, according to animal control officials.

The monkey, which passed through customs and TSA screening at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport, will be quarantined for 31 days, according to animal control officials.

The incident is raising security and health concerns at the airport, Local 10 reported.

The passenger and the monkey boarded a Spirit Airlines jet to New York's LaGuardia Airport from Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, Local 10 reported.

Authorities believe the man smuggled the monkey onboard the flight in Lima, Peru. He landed in Fort Lauderdale Tuesday with the creature hidden under his hat, then boarded another flight to New York after passing through customs and security screening at the airport.