Customs and Border Protection officers at the US-Mexico border in Texas made a significant discovery this week when they caught a woman attempting to smuggle over 700 pounds of illegal bologna into the country. The 43-year-old American citizen tried to enter the Presidio port of entry from Mexico on Monday, initially only declaring a cooked meal during the inspection.
However, suspicions arose among CBP agriculture specialists who decided to conduct a secondary inspection of the vehicle. To their surprise, they found 40 rolls, totaling 748 pounds, of Mexican bologna hidden in suitcases inside the car. Mexican bologna is a prohibited meat that could potentially introduce foreign animal diseases, posing a threat to the US economy and agriculture industry.
CBP Presidio Port Director Benito Reyes, Jr. emphasized the seriousness of the situation in a news release, highlighting the importance of preventing such illegal imports. The confiscated bologna was promptly destroyed to avoid any risk of contamination.
But that wasn’t the end of the woman’s troubles. Agents also discovered 280 boxes of undeclared prescription drugs hidden in various panels of the vehicle, along with over $7,600 in concealed currency. As a result, the vehicle was seized, and the driver was issued a $1,000 civil penalty.
Reyes reiterated the importance of declaring all items being transported into the US, even if travelers believe the items are allowed. Failing to do so can result in fines and penalties, as was the case with this attempted smuggling of bologna and other illicit goods.
The incident serves as a reminder of the vigilance of border patrol agents in safeguarding the country’s borders and protecting the economy and agriculture industry from potential threats.
