Customs officials at Presidio port made a sizeable discovery on September 23, seizing a total of 748 pounds of Mexican bologna and more than 280 boxes of undeclared prescription medications. The contraband was found hidden inside a 2023 GMC Yukon, driven by a 43-year-old female U.S. citizen. As reported by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the driver declared only a cooked meal when first inspected but officials decided to conduct a secondary exam which unearthed the illegal items.
In an event described by CBP Presidio Port Director Benito Reyes, Jr., the officers zeroed in on the vehicle, signaling a deeper inspection. "We stress that it is important that travelers educate themselves on what products are allowed to be legally entered from abroad. And even if they believe an item is allowed travelers should still declare all items they are transporting to the U.S. to avoid fines and penalties,” Reyes told the CBP official website. When they opened one suitcase, appearing heavier than normal, it was filled with numerous rolls of Mexican bologna—a total of 40 rolls were hidden amongst the personal effects.
Mexican bologna is prohibited from entering the United States due to its potential to introduce foreign animal diseases to the U.S. pork industry. The continuation of the examination by CBP agriculture specialists led to the discovery of the undeclared medication concealed within various panels of the vehicle, including various controlled substances like Tramadol.
The driver was offered a $1,000 civil penalty, seized was the conveyance, and more than $7,600 in concealed currency was found by the CBP officers. "These agencies require that unsafe items are not allowed to enter the United States. CBP officers are always at ports of entry and assume the responsibility of protecting America from all threats," as handling multiple roles, CBP enforces laws for 40 different government agencies. The seized bologna was destroyed per USDA regulations, while the medication was confiscated, according to the CBP news release.
This bust underscores the broader mission of agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security, working together to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases through the nation's ports of entry. Undeclared agricultural items will be confiscated and might lead to a civil penalty for those who fail to declare them.
