NIH Knew Researchers Allegedly Smuggled Monkeypox Into the US, but Sat on the Story for Five Months
The NIH has faced criticism for remaining silent for five months regarding two researchers charged with smuggling monkeypox into the U.S. from an outbreak zone. The researchers allegedly misled customs officials about the contents of their luggage, which contained vials of biological material. Federal authorities emphasize that no one is above the law, regardless of their professional status.
- ▪Two NIH researchers were charged with conspiracy to smuggle monkeypox into the U.S.
- ▪They arrived from the Republic of Congo, where a monkeypox outbreak was ongoing.
- ▪The researchers falsely claimed their luggage contained diagnostic equipment, but it held 113 vials of biological material.
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NIH Knew Researchers Allegedly Smuggled Monkeypox Into the US, but Sat on the Story for Five Months By Ben Smith | 9:45 AM on June 03, 2026 The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of RedState.com. Alain Jocard, Pool via AP NIH spent five months saying nothing about an incident that now has two of its researchers facing federal charges for allegedly smuggling biological material into the United States from an active monkeypox outbreak zone.
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