see also: in May 2006 News Releases:   Seven Wanted Fugitives Apprehended by CBP Officers at Andrade Port of Entry   U.S. Customs and Border Protection 2006 Reporting Requirements for Private Boat Operators Arriving at Port of Entry in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana   CBP Officers in Calexico Seize More Drugs, 266 Pounds of Cocaine   CBP Border Patrol on Heightened State of Alert as Scorching Temperatures Hit South Texas   New Border Patrol Station Contract Awarded   CBP Border Patrol Agents Seize Hidden Loads of Narcotics   CBP Border Patrol Agents Seize More Than Half-Ton of Marijuana ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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El Paso, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and agriculture specialists working at the Ysleta port of entry in El Paso discovered a commonly smuggled item in an unusual location Sunday. CBP officers found more than two pounds of raw pork sausage hidden in a pair of disposable baby diapers Sunday morning.

The seizure was made just before 10 a.m. when a 27-year-old Colorado man entered the port from Mexico. The man made a negative declaration for fruit, meat and plants to the CBP officer at the primary inspection booth. The CBP officer referred the vehicle to the secondary inspection area for a more thorough exam.

While searching the car in the secondary area, a CBP officer and a CBP agriculture specialist discovered seven stalks of raw sugar cane, a prohibited agricultural item. CBP officers continued their exam and found two disposable baby diapers mixed in with other food products. CBP officers opened the diapers and found foil-wrapped packages of raw pork sausage inside. CBP officers seized the contraband and assessed and collected a $250 penalty from the violator.

Agriculture specialists protect the United States from the threat of invasive pests and diseases with inspection and prevention efforts designed to keep prohibited agricultural and food items from entering the U.S. These items, whether in commercial cargo, personal shipments, or as “hitchhikers” with an international airline passenger or a pedestrian crossing the border, could cause serious damage to America’s crops, livestock, and the environment.

CBP agriculture specialists and canine teams work at key U.S. ports of entry, including international airports, land borders, and international mail facilities, inspecting both commercial cargo and passengers/pedestrians.

All travelers entering the United States with food and agricultural products must declare them to CBP even if those products are permitted entry. All agricultural items are subject to inspection. Failure to declare can result in a civil penalty of up to $1,000 on the spot. Criminal penalties may also apply. Prohibited items are confiscated and disposed of according to government regulations.

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.