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CBP Seizes 201 Pounds of Pork Hidden in Ford Truck Engine

More than 200 pounds of pork concealed in the engine compartment of a vehicle were discovered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge in Laredo, Texas, on July 29. [Source: Farm Journal's Pork, 5 August 2020, by Jennifer Shike]

"Preventing the entry of harmful agricultural products is an integral aspect of America's Frontline," Director of Field Operations, Randy Howe, Laredo Field Office, said in a release.

A CBP officer assigned to the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge referred a 1980 Ford F-150 pickup truck for secondary inspection. The vehicle was driven by a 30-year-old male U.S. citizen traveling from Mexico, the release said.

When the driver was unable to open the hood of the truck, the vehicle was sent in for a non-intrusive inspection. After an agriculture canine and non-intrusive imaging system examination, CBP officers and agriculture specialists discovered 201 pounds of undeclared and prohibited pork products concealed in the engine compartment, the release said.

A $1,000 civil penalty for the undeclared commercial quantity of the prohibited product was issued. Mexico is considered free of classical swine fever (CSF) and African swine fever (ASF), but pork importations need to meet special requirements to help prevent the possible introduction of foreign animal disease onto U.S. soil.

"Attempting to bring in prohibited agricultural items could lead to traveler delays and may result in a fine ranging from $300 to $1,000," the release said. "CBP officers and agriculture specialists work diligently to fulfill CBP's agriculture mission by excluding harmful pests and diseases from becoming established in the U.S."