Over 120 pounds of prohibited pork and poultry meat were found in a minivan trying to cross the border from Mexico into Texas.
The Kansas City Star says federal officials and agricultural specialists at the border seized the prohibited meat at the Laredo Port of Entry. A news release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection says pork and pork products are always banned from entering the U.S. through Mexico, and other meats are either prohibited or restricted.
The regulations are in place to make sure that harmful pests or diseases don’t make it into the country through imported food products. Authorities say the driver didn’t declare having any meats when arriving at the border.
“This significant seizure shows the importance of CBP’s agricultural mission to prevent the spread of potential animal diseases that could risk public safety and inflict harm on the nation’s agricultural economy,” says Alberto Flores, Director of the Laredo Port.