CBP Canine Assists in Seizure of 242 Pounds of Prohibited Pork Bologna at Texas Border

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agriculture Specialists at the Paso Del Norte international crossing in El Paso, Texas, confiscated 22 large rolls of pork bologna, totaling 242 pounds, on March 28. The prohibited meat was discovered in a vehicle driven by a 52-year-old U.S. citizen from Albuquerque, New Mexico, during a secondary agriculture inspection. Additionally, 60 undeclared Tramadol tablets, a Schedule IV-controlled substance, were found in the vehicle’s center console.

The driver initially provided a negative declaration for fruits, vegetables, and meat products when presenting himself for inspection just after 2 a.m. CBP Agriculture Canine “Harlee” alerted officials to the rear cargo area, prompting a more detailed examination. The bologna was hidden beneath equipment in the vehicle. Following the discovery, the driver received a $1,000 promissory note for the prescription medication violation, and the pork was seized and destroyed in accordance with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations.

This incident marks the second time in two months that the same individual attempted to smuggle undeclared bologna from Mexico into the United States. In January, CBP Agriculture Specialists seized 55 rolls of pork bologna from the man, resulting in a civil penalty and destruction of the contraband meat. USDA Investigative and Enforcement Services is now handling the current case, and the driver could face penalties of up to $10,000 if found guilty of repeat violations.

CBP officials emphasized the serious risk that undeclared pork products pose to American agriculture. Prohibited items can introduce foreign animal diseases, which may have devastating effects on the U.S. economy and agriculture industry. Travelers are reminded to declare any items acquired abroad to help CBP prevent the introduction of harmful products.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security continue to work together to protect the nation’s agricultural resources by identifying and stopping potential threats at U.S. ports of entry. Undeclared prohibited agricultural items will be confiscated, and violators may face civil penalties for failure to declare.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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