CBP thwarts smuggling of 242 lbs. of bologna at Texas border

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialists in El Paso, Texas, faced an unexpected challenge this week — 242 pounds of smuggled bologna. And, yes, that’s a whole lot of bologna to deal with.

The drama unfolded around 2 a.m. when authorities say a 52-year-old U.S. citizen from Albuquerque, New Mexico, rolled up to the inspection lanes. After he claimed he had nothing to declare (fruits, vegetables, or meat products), he was sent for a secondary inspection.

Enter CBP Agriculture Canine “Harlee,” who sniffed out trouble in the rear cargo area of the vehicle. And what did they find? Officials said 22 rolls of bologna were cleverly hidden beneath some equipment. But, there’s more — 60 Tramadol tablets were also discovered in the center console, they said. The driver was handed a $1,000 promissory note for the prescription violation, as Tramadol is a Schedule IV-controlled substance, defined as a drug with a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence.

This wasn’t the first time the same individual had been accused of being involved in a bologna-smuggling operation. Just two months ago, he was accused of attempting to sneak 55 rolls of bologna into the U.S. at the same port of entry. Needless to say, the bologna was seized and destroyed, as it’s a potential threat to U.S. agriculture by carrying foreign animal diseases.

CBP El Paso Director Field Operations Hector A. Mancha warned, “Pork products have the potential to introduce foreign animal diseases to the U.S., which can have a devastating impact on the U.S. economy and our agriculture industry.” He added, “It is always best for travelers to declare any items acquired abroad to help CBP stop the introduction of potentially harmful products.”

The case has been referred to U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Investigative and Enforcement Services, where the individual could face a penalty of up to $10,000 if convicted. This is one smuggling operation that will definitely not be going on the “roll” call.

As with the previous incident, the 22 rolls of bologna were seized and destroyed by CBP per USDA regulations.