A 43-year-old U.S. citizen was caught smuggling over 700 pounds of prohibited Mexican bologna and more than 280 boxes of undeclared prescription medications through the Southern Border in Presidio, Texas. She was stopped at the Presidio Port of Entry while driving a 2023 GMC Yukon, initially declaring only a cooked meal during inspection. However, CBP agriculture specialists found several suitcases in the vehicle that appeared heavier than expected, leading to the discovery of the illegal items. Mexican bologna is banned due to its pork content, which could introduce foreign animal diseases to the U.S. pork industry. More than 280 boxes of undeclared medication, including controlled substances like Tramadol, were also found hidden inside the vehicle.
The CBP underscored the importance of travelers educating themselves about the products that can legally be brought into the U.S. from abroad. Even if travelers believe an item is allowed, they are urged to declare all items to avoid fines and penalties. In this case, the concern with pork products lies in the potential introduction of foreign animal diseases that could severely impact the U.S. economy and agriculture industry. The bologna seized by CBP agriculture specialists was ultimately destroyed to prevent any potential contamination. Additionally, the medications, along with the vehicle and over $7,600 in concealed currency, were seized by CBP officers.
In connection with the smuggling incident, the woman was issued a $1,000 civil penalty. The magnitude of the prohibited items found in her possession prompted swift action from CBP in confiscating the contraband and imposing a fine. The incident highlights the ongoing efforts by CBP to enforce border regulations and prevent the entry of illegal items that could pose risks to public health and safety. By seizing the prohibited Mexican bologna and undeclared medications, CBP aims to safeguard the U.S. agriculture industry and prevent the introduction of foreign animal diseases.
The smuggled items, including Mexican bologna and various prescription medications, were seized by CBP at the Presidio Port of Entry in Texas. The woman involved in the incident was a U.S. citizen caught attempting to bring in over 700 pounds of illegal bologna and more than 280 boxes of undeclared medication. The discovery of the prohibited items led to a civil penalty of $1,000 being issued to the woman, in addition to the seizure of the contraband and concealed currency found in the vehicle. CBP stressed the importance of travelers being aware of the items allowed for entry into the U.S. and declared all items to avoid fines and penalties.
The interception of prohibited Mexican bologna and undeclared prescription medications underscores the ongoing efforts by CBP to enforce border regulations and prevent the entry of illegal items that could pose risks to public health and the economy. By seizing the smuggled goods and imposing penalties on the woman involved, CBP aims to deter individuals from attempting to bring prohibited items into the country. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance with border regulations and the potential consequences of attempting to smuggle illegal goods across the Southern Border.
