A 43-year-old woman was stopped at the Texas border this week after authorities discovered more than 700 pounds of prohibited Mexican pork bologna hidden in her vehicle. The American citizen tried to cross into the U.S. through the Presidio port of entry, claiming she had only a cooked meal, but a secondary inspection revealed much more.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials found 40 rolls of the illegal meat, totaling 748 pounds, packed in suitcases inside the car. The meat was confiscated and destroyed, as Mexican pork products are banned from entering the U.S. due to the risk of introducing foreign animal diseases.
“The concern with pork products is that they have the potential to introduce foreign animal diseases that can have devastating effects to the US economy and to our agriculture industry,” said Benito Reyes Jr., CBP’s Presidio Port Director.
During the inspection, border agents also uncovered 280 boxes of undeclared prescription drugs and over $7,600 in concealed cash. The vehicle was seized, and the woman was fined $1,000.
Officials have stressed that travelers must declare all items they are transporting when entering the U.S., as failure to do so can result in hefty fines or the loss of goods. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in securing the nation’s borders and protecting the agricultural industry.
This case is just one of many that highlight the importance of strict border inspections and the enforcement of regulations designed to safeguard the country’s economy and public health.
