The weekly haul, as tallied by Customs and Border Protection
by NPT staff

The weekly report sent out by U.S. Customs and Border Protection includes drug seizures, illegal immigration cases, prohibited food items, and fugitive apprehensions.

Posted on December 12, 2008
CBP notes increase in agriculture related
seizures at El Paso area ports of entry this week

EL PASO, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers performing anti-terrorism inspections at El Paso area ports of entry were kept busy this week with drug seizures, illegal immigration cases, prohibited food items, and fugitive apprehensions.

CBP officers working at area ports made a total of 13 agriculture seizures during the previous seven day period. Violators paid $3,050 in fines associated with the seizures. Prohibited agricultural items seized this week included pork meat, chicharones, bologna, chorizo, oranges, guavas, avocados, pears, apples tangerines, mangos, hawthorn fruit and live plants.

“CBP officers typically see an increase in agriculture violations as major holidays approach because border crossers are trying to include some of these items in the holiday celebrations,â€