see also: in June 2007 News Releases:   CBP, ATF Join Canadians in Launching Firearms Public Information Campaign Along U.S.-Canadian Border   Marijuana-Embedded Bricks Crumble at El Paso Port   FDA, CBP Advise of Potential Health Risks from Unpasteurized Cheese After Large Cheese Seizures at Laredo Border   CBP Officers Discover Exotic Birds at California Border Station   U.S., New Zealand Establish Joint Trade Security Arrangement   CBP Reminds Pleasure Boaters of Reporting Requirements When Returning from Foreign Locations   California CBP Officers Find Smuggled Persons in Truck Engine Compartment ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Laredo, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and agriculture specialists at the Laredo, Texas port of entry intercepted a vehicle carrying 331 pounds of undeclared cheese that was concealed in the trunk le and spare tire compartment.

The seizure occurred shortly before 9 p.m. at the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge on June 14. A CBP officer referred a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by a 24-year-old female U.S. citizen from Laredo for a secondary examination. The driver made a negative declaration for commercial goods. Subsequent inspection of the vehicle revealed 132 pounds of cheese concealed in the trunk of the vehicle. Further examination of the car resulted in an additional 199 pounds of cheese concealed in the spare tire compartment. CBP agriculture specialists seized the cheese and assessed the driver a monetary penalty.

Travelers making entry into the U.S. are permitted to bring in personal use quantities of cheese, not more than 10 pounds for their own consumption. In order to legally bring in quantities in excess of 10 pounds, a commercial entry must be made and the importation must comply with all federal laws and regulations. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in fines, seizure of the cheese and seizure of the vehicle.

"CBP officers and agriculture specialists continue to be ever vigilant in our mission to ensure that restricted food products are detected and prevented from entering the U.S. commerce without the proper clearances for the protection of the consumer," said Gene Garza, CBP port director, Laredo.

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.