Calif. CBP Revokes Frequent Crosser Benefits for Agriculture Violation

(Friday, August 08, 2008)

San Ysidro, Calif. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the San Ysidro, Calif. port of entry revoked the membership of a Secure Electronic Network for Traveler’s Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) registered participant after they uncovered the participant attempting to smuggle undeclared pork into the United States, officials announced today.

Microscopic plant and animal pests and diseases are a threat to American agriculture and because pork meat is susceptible to disease, it is prohibited.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 6 at about 4:30 p.m. when CBP officers encountered a 64-year old U.S. citizen as she entered the port through the SENTRI lane. The woman, a resident of Chula Vista, claimed she had nothing edible to declare. The primary officer discovered a box containing prohibited pork products while inspecting the vehicle. The vehicle and occupants were referred to the secondary area for further processing.

During the secondary inspection, the undeclared pork was seized, the woman’s SENTRI privileges were revoked and she was assessed a monetary penalty of $500.

“SENTRI is a trusted traveler program and all participants are made aware upon enrollment that any violation of U.S. law will terminate immediately their program membership,â€