Customs and Border Protection agents at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo, Texas, made a significant seizure, confiscating nearly 500 pounds of unauthorized mangos.
At approximately 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, CBP intercepted a truck at the border crossing and uncovered illicit items.
According to a statement released by CBP on Thursday, officers discovered numerous prohibited agricultural items within boxes and coolers during their inspection of the vehicle and trailer.
According to the CBP, upon closer inspection, they discovered a variety of fruits and products in the luggage, including 220 kgs of mango, 30 coconuts, 9 kgs of cashew fruit, 1.5 kgs of nance fruit, 2.5 kgs of sweet potato, and approximately 5.5 kgs of port products.
To safeguard agriculture and protect native species, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) closely monitors the entry of plant species into the country.
According to CBP, agriculture specialists play a crucial role in enforcing USDA quarantines to protect the U.S. agricultural industry from potential damage caused by plant pests and diseases.
The authorities penalized the American driver with a $1,000 civil fine for possessing forbidden agricultural products in the vehicle.
Laredo Port of Entry Port Director Albert Flores emphasized the crucial role played by CBP agriculture specialists in safeguarding the United States from harmful prohibited agricultural items. The substantial quantity of seized products serves as a testament to their diligent efforts in preventing the entry of such items into the country.
