Bologna Smuggler Caught Again After 22 Rolls Seized at Border

EL PASO, TX — U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialists announced Friday that 22 rolls of illegal pork bologna and a controlled medication were seized on March 28 at the Paso Del Norte port of entry in El Paso.

According to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection release, the incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. when a 52-year-old man from Albuquerque, New Mexico, came to the port of entry in his vehicle. He declared that he was not carrying any fruits, vegetables, or meat products, but was still referred for a secondary inspection.

During the secondary inspection, CBP Agriculture Canine "Harlee" alerted officers to the back of the vehicle. Officials discovered 22 rolls of bologna hidden beneath equipment in the back of the vehicle. Additionally, officers found 60 undeclared Tramadol tablets in the vehicle's center console.

Tramadol is a Schedule IV controlled substance, and the driver was issued a $1,000 promissory note for the violation.

This marks the second time in two months that the same individual attempted to smuggle bologna from Mexico to the U.S. at the El Paso port of entry. In January, CBP Agriculture Specialists seized 55 rolls of undeclared bologna from the man, who was also assessed a civil penalty and had the contraband destroyed.

CBP officials pointed out that pork products like this could bring foreign diseases into the U.S. that could harm the agriculture industry and economy. “Pork products have the potential to introduce foreign animal diseases to the U.S. which can have a devastating impact to the U.S. economy and to our agriculture industry," said Hector A. Mancha, the Director of Field Operations for CBP in El Paso.

The investigation is now being handled by the USDA’s Investigative and Enforcement Services, and the driver could face up to a $10,000 fine if he is found guilty.

CBP reminds travelers to declare any items they bring from other countries to prevent harmful products from entering the U.S. Undeclared items will be confiscated, and fines may be issued.