EL PASO, TEXAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists are routinely encountering individuals attempting to import mangos from Mexico. The fruit is prohibited for importation because it is a common host for pests.
This was made evident June 26 when a traveler from California arrived at the Paso Del Norte international crossing in El Paso. The man declared several fresh mangos to a CBP agriculture specialist during an exam. The agriculture specialist discovered live insects on the fruit. The driver abandoned the mangos to CBP. During a subsequent inspection 12 live fruit fly larvae were found inside the mangos. Because the man declared the fruit he was allowed to proceed without penalty. The seized items were destroyed.
“This man was traveling to California and could have introduced fruit flies to the state had the CBP agriculture specialist not located the harmful pests,” said CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha. “The impact on California’s agriculture industry could have been devasting.”
Travelers are encouraged to declare all agriculture items to CBP upon entry to avoid penalties and protect the U.S. agriculture industry. That did not happen on June 28 when another California plated vehicle arrived from Mexico at the Bridge of the Americas international crossing. The driver of the car made a negative declaration to CBP personnel. During a subsequent inspection CBP agriculture canine Keela alerted to the contents of the vehicle. An exam revealed 3.5 pounds of fresh sliced mangos in a cooler. The driver was fined $175. The seized items were inspected for pests and destroyed.
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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.