Container seized at south-east Texas border crossing point after officials carried out cargo inspection
Customs officials in the US state of Texas say they have seized almost seven tonnes of prohibited hog plums and passion fruit that were being shipped by road from Mexico.
The consignment was reportedly confiscated at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility, around 375km south of San Antonio on the US-Mexico border.
“Our mission to safeguard American agriculture is just as important as intercepting narcotics. Keeping prohibited pests and diseases from damaging American agriculture helps keeps the costs of goods down,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez.
According to Customs and Border Protection, the shipment was manifested as fresh lime and chayote.
Fresh hog plums and fresh passion fruit are strictly prohibited from entering the US as they are believed to harbour pests such as fruit fly that pose a threat to US agriculture.
The fruit was later destroyed and the carrier was handed a US$5,000 penalty.
