see also: in September 2008:   Ramey Border Patrol Sector Sponsors Intelligence Training   CBP Arrests Woman at California Port after Discovering 3 Hidden Females   Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Rescue Lost Alien   Customs and Border Protection Warns Floral Importers About Unripe Poppy Pods   CBP Officers Arrest Man Wanted for Failing to Register as Sex Offender   El Paso CBP Officers Discover 3,000 Pounds of Marijuana in Shipment of Watermelons   CBP Seizes More Than $360,000 in Undeclared Currency ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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El Paso, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials are reminding members of the traveling public that the personal importation of avocados from Mexico is prohibited unless the seed has been removed. CBP agriculture specialists in El Paso recently discovered a shipment of avocados infested with the avocado seed weevil larvae. It was the first time this pest has been discovered at the El Paso port of entry in more than a decade.

“We know that avocados and guacamole are a part of the 16th of September holiday celebration for many border residents so this is a good time to again let the traveling public know that prohibited agriculture items do pose a risk,” said William Molaski, CBP acting El Paso Port Director. “The best course of action is to declare all items you are taking across the border to avoid penalties and to prevent the introduction of pests.”

The discovery was made August 9 at the Ysleta port of entry in El Paso. A passenger in a taxi provided CBP officers with a negative declaration for fruit, vegetables and meat. CBP officers conducted an examination of luggage in the taxi and discovered 19 undeclared avocados. The violator was issued a $175 penalty. CBP agriculture specialist then conducted an inspection of the avocados and discovered seven avocado seed weevil larvae living in the seeds. This pest has not been seen in El Paso for more than a decade.

Members of the traveling public can import a personal quantity of avocados if the seed has been removed. They do need to declare the item to the CBP officer working at the inspection booth. Failure to do so can result in a penalty of up to $300 for a first offense. Avocados with seeds are prohibited.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.