Nearly 125 pounds of prohibited pork products were seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and agriculture specialists in a single enforcement action at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo, Texas, CBP reports.
“Seizures like this significant interception of prohibited pork products underscore CBP’s commitment and dedication to its mission and help prevent the spread of animal diseases that could have a detrimental effect on U.S agriculture and livestock as well as the U.S. economy,” Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry, said in a release.
Nearly 125 pounds of prohibited pork products seized by CBP officers and agriculture specialists at Laredo Port of Entry.
The seizure occurred on June 3 at approximately 12:30 p.m. when CBP officers assigned to the Juarez Lincoln Bridge referred a Dodge Charger to secondary inspection.
“Upon closer physical inspection of the vehicle, CBP officers and agriculture specialists encountered several black bags containing prohibited pork items within the passenger side of the vehicle,” CBP said in a release. “Further examination revealed a total of 25 kilograms of chorizo, 25 kilograms of pork sausage, three kilograms of pork meat and two kilograms of unrendered pork lard.”
A $1,000 civil penalty was issued to the driver for the undeclared commercial quantity of prohibited pork products and CBP officers seized the vehicle.
CBP agriculture specialists enforce USDA quarantines to prevent the entry of pests and plant and animal diseases that could damage the agriculture industry in the U.S., CBP explained in a release.
“Attempting to bring in prohibited agricultural items could lead to traveler delays and may result in a fine ranging from $300 to $1,000,” CBP said. “CBP agriculture specialists and CBP officers work diligently to fulfill CBP’s agriculture mission by excluding harmful pests and diseases from becoming established in the U.S.”
