see also: in February 2007 News Releases:   Border Officers Respond To Medical Emergency   Federal Authorities Seize Narcotics Valued at More Than $15 Million in Caribbean   Spring Breakers: Get Your Passports Now   U.S.-Canada Trusted Air Traveler Program Expands   CBP Border Patrol Agents Rescue 56 Aliens from Truck   ACE Mandated for E-manifest Filing at Border Ports in Michigan and New York ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Laredo, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized two loads of commercial quantities of undeclared cheese entering the U.S. near Laredo, Texas resulting in fines and the seizure of two vehicles.

The most recent seizure occurred Monday evening at the passenger vehicle lanes of Colombia-Solidarity Bridge. CBP officers referred a 34-year-old female driver of a 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette van for a secondary examination. During the examination, CBP officers noted discrepancies in the quarter panel area. Upon further examination, officers discovered packages of cheese concealed in the quarter panels. A total of 97 pounds of cheese was discovered and seized.

Officers also determined that the driver, a U.S. citizen from Laredo, had been cited on previous occasions for bringing in commercial quantities of food without complying with commercial importation requirements. CBP officers levied a $10,000 fine and seized her vehicle. CBP agriculture specialists destroyed the undeclared cheese.

Earlier that day at the same bridge, CBP officers referred a 1997 Ford Expedition driven by a 35-year-old male resident alien from Laredo for a secondary examination. During the examination, officers noticed luggage bags hidden underneath the passenger seats. Upon probing the baggage, officers discovered packages and containers containing a total of 306 pounds of cheese and 44 pounds of mole. Officers also determined that the man had been cited previously for importation of commercial quantities of merchandise. Officers imposed a $5,000 fine and seized the Expedition. CBP agriculture specialists also destroyed this undeclared cheese.

“In addition to our anti-terrorism mission, the interdiction of narcotics and the uncovering of immigration violations, our frontline CBP officers and agriculture specialists enforce hundreds of laws on behalf of over 60 federal agencies,” said Gene Garza, CBP Port Director, Laredo. “Our officers did an excellent job in protecting America’s food supply against potential pests and disease and the health and safety of the American public from food-borne illness by preventing the importation of commercial amounts of unrefrigerated cheese at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge.”

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.

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.