Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino posted a series of updates on July 22, 2026, highlighting recent enforcement actions by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and its role in protecting the nation’s borders and agricultural resources.
In her first post at 14:01 UTC, Sabatino addressed the regulations around importing insects into the United States, writing, “A note to ant farm hobbyists: importing insects into the US is regulated by @USDA because some insects can harm our natural resources. @DFOLosAngeles ag specialists recently discovered carpenter ants hidden inside toy buses in a shipment from Indonesia. https://t.co/0DbxVVymim https://t.co/57ndAaxHsl” on July 22, 2026.
Later that day, at 16:00 UTC, Sabatino shared details of a drug interdiction at the Ysleta Port of Entry. She stated, “STOPPED AT THE PORT Ysleta POE A vehicle was referred to secondary, where a CBP K9 alert and scan pointed officers in the right direction. A physical inspection uncovered 44 packages containing 71.82 lbs of methamphetamine concealed inside the vehicle’s gas tank. #OFOproud https://t.co/rt6ZUm1KJ7”.
In another post at 20:00 UTC, Sabatino highlighted K9 operations at Atlanta’s airport: “K9 Zoey! While screening passengers at ATL, Zoey alerted to baggage containing prohibited pork sausage, beef jerky, and other undeclared food products arriving from Korea. Every alert helps protect American agriculture from foreign animal diseases and invasive pests. #OFOproud https://t.co/N5HGaOdd1Q”.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates the importation of insects to prevent risks to native ecosystems and agriculture posed by non-native species. The CBP regularly works with USDA specialists to intercept potentially harmful biological materials at ports of entry. The use of trained canine units remains a critical component for detecting both narcotics and agricultural contraband in various modes of transport across U.S. borders.