Undeclared Items Seized by CPB Officers

EL PASO, TEXAS U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the Stanton Street Dedicated Commuter Lane (DCL) seized prohibited food and agricultural items from a DCL user this morning. The violator was assessed a $500 penalty and lost her DCL crossing privileges. There is a zero tolerance policy for violations at El Pasos dedicated commuter lanes, which are part of CBPs trusted traveler program, said Luis Garcia, Director of Field Operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection in El Paso. CBP officers will maintain the integrity of El Pasos two DCL crossings through targeted and random inspections of DCL users. Individuals who choose to violate the trust bestowed upon them will suffer the consequences of their actions. The seizure was made just before 9 a.m. today when a 60-year-old El Paso woman arrived from Mexico. The driver made a negative declaration to the CBP officer at the primary inspection booth. During a secondary inspection of the vehicle, CBP officers discovered two pounds of pork ham, two pounds of raw chicken and two pears in a grocery bag. The items were seized and the violator was fined and had her DCL crossing privileges revoked. Raw chicken is prohibited to prevent the potential introduction of Exotic Newcastles Disease to the U.S. poultry industry. Pork products are not allowed because of the potential for spreading hog cholera, swine fever, and other diseases to the U.S. pork industry. Many fruits are prohibited because they can harbor fruit flies and other pests that can damage crops in the U.S. Border crossers can learn more about prohibited and restricted items by visiting the following CBP website: www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/prohibited_restricted.xml.