They got to the heart of the matter.
This week, a woman was caught smuggling more than 700 pounds of illegal bologna across the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas, resulting in a huge loss.
According to Customs and Border Protection, the 43-year-old American citizen attempted to enter the country from Mexico at the Presidio Port of Entry on Monday afternoon, but only declared a prepared meal at the initial inspection.
A CBP agricultural specialist contacted her Harony and conducted a secondary inspection of her vehicle, which revealed it was stuffed with 40 rolls (748 pounds) of Mexican bologna, a banned meat that poses a threat to the U.S. pork industry. Several suitcases were recovered, officials said.
“The concern with pork products is that they have the potential to introduce exotic animal diseases that could have a devastating impact on the U.S. economy and our agricultural industry,” said CBP Presidio Port Director Benito Reyes Jr. news release.
The meat was then confiscated and thrown away.
Investigators continued to search the vehicle and seized 280 boxes of undeclared prescription drugs hidden in various panels of the vehicle, as well as more than $7,600 in hidden currency, officials said.
The vehicle was also impounded and the driver was given a $1,000 civil penalty, officials said.
“Travelers must declare all items they transport into the United States to avoid fines and fines, even if they believe the item is permitted,” Reyes said.
