TUSCON, Ariz. — A woman was fined after she was caught trying to smuggle 14 pounds of pork wrapped in baby diapers into the U.S. from Sinaloa, Mexico, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement.
Agricultural specialists at the Mariposa crossing discovered the pork in a suitcase on Aug. 5 during an inspection of a commercial bus at the Port of Nogales, according to KPHO.
The passenger was assessed a $300 penalty and the bus and its passengers proceeded through the port without further incident, CBP said.
The pork and diapers were incinerated.
“Agriculture specialists in Nogales are always observant to prevent the introduction of prohibited agricultural products,” said Nogales Area Port Director Luz Garlarza. “This includes pork meat and pork products, which could lead to the introduction of animal diseases like Classical Swine Fever.”
CBP reminds travelers to declare all agricultural items once they arrive in the U.S. to help agricultural specialists prevent the introduction of harmful pests and diseases.
To learn more about permissible and prohibited food items, click here.
