U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers recently conducted a significant seizure at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge, discovering over 260 pounds of prohibited pork products within a passenger vehicle.
According to Port Director Albert Flores in Laredo, Texas, "Our frontline CBP officers maintained strict vigilance amid the onslaught of heavy Holy Week traffic and uncovered a commercial quantity of pork hidden within a passenger vehicle." He added, "Seizures like these reinforce CBP’s dedication to protecting American agriculture and the American public from prohibited agricultural items that could harbor plant pests and animal diseases."
The incident occurred on the evening of April 17 when CBP officers assigned to the bridge referred a Dodge Caliber to secondary inspection. They found a black bag with prohibited pork items under the passenger seat. Further inspection revealed additional bags of pork product in the vehicle's rear hatch. A total of 112.86 kgs of chorizo, 3.81 kgs of pork sausage, and 1.40 kgs of blood sausage were seized.
A $1,000 civil penalty was issued for the undeclared commercial quantity of pork products, while the vehicle was also seized by CBP officers.
CBP emphasizes the enforcement of United States Department of Agriculture quarantines to prevent the entry of pests and diseases that could harm U.S. agriculture. Violations may lead to traveler delays and fines ranging from $300 to $1,000.
The agency highlights its commitment to protecting the nation through its agriculture mission. "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," CBP stated in the release.
For further updates, the public can follow CBP's Laredo Field Office and U.S. Customs and Border Protection on social media platforms.
CBP, as America’s largest law enforcement organization, continues to safeguard the country across land, air, and sea, facilitating lawful travel and trade and enhancing national security.
