A 43-year-old U.S. citizen had 748 pounds of bologna, 280 boxes of undeclared prescription medications, and $7,600 in concealed currency confiscated by Border Patrol agents in Presidio, Texas. The woman initially declared only a cooked meal, prompting a second inspection that revealed the hidden items in her 2023 GMC Yukon. The Mexican bologna was destroyed as it is considered a prohibited product that could introduce foreign animal diseases to the U.S. pork industry. The woman was fined $1,000 for failing to declare the items. The importance of travelers educating themselves on what products can legally enter the U.S. was emphasized by port director Benito Reyes Jr. Prohibited items at U.S. borders can include dangerous toys, unsafe cars, bush meat, and illegal substances like absinthe and Rohypnol, all of which can be seized and result in civil penalties according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. A detailed list of restricted and prohibited items can be found on their website.
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