Two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, have been charged with smuggling a dangerous agricultural fungus, Fusarium graminearum, into the U.S., which authorities classify as a potential agroterrorism weapon.

The pair, allegedly funded by the Chinese government, were conducting research at the University of Michigan.

Liu admitted to hiding the fungus in his luggage to avoid detection at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

Jian is also accused of being a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party, ABC News has reported.

The FBI and DOJ consider the case a serious national security threat, while the University of Michigan has condemned the actions and is cooperating with the investigation.

Written by B.C. Begley