CBP Ag Specialists Block Bologna at Border Crossing
A 20-year-old U.S. citizen driving a 2012 Honda Odyssey attempted to bring 320 pounds of pork bologna and 30 pounds of turkey ham through the Paso Del Norte Border Crossing in El Paso, Texas, on Aug. 26.
His efforts were foiled by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists who made the discovery shortly after 6 a.m., CBP reports.
A negative declaration for fruits, meats, vegetables, meats, plants and live animals was obtained by the CBP officer who then referred the vehicle for a secondary inspection.
A search of the vehicle by agriculture specialists resulted in the discovery of 31 rolls of bologna and 2 rolls of turkey ham concealed under blankets, under the seats, center console, and inside a duffel bag.
CBP reports the individual admitted the bologna was for resale in the U.S. The individual was issued a $1,000 civil penalty and the products were seized and destroyed by CBP.
“With the recent detection of the African swine fever in the Dominican Republic, it is important that no pork products are brought into the U.S.,” CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha said in a release. “Pork products have the potential to introduce foreign animal diseases that can be detrimental to our agriculture industry.”
More from Farm Journal's PORK:
CBP Casts Wide Net to Assess African Swine Fever Threats to the U.S.
Federal Agents Prevent Smuggled Animal Products from Entering the U.S.
