Woman attempts to smuggle over 700 pounds of bologna

PRESIDIO, Texas (WKRC) - A woman was fined after officers seized over 700 pounds of illegal bologna hidden within her suitcases.

Officers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) became suspicious when a 43-year-old female U.S. citizen crossing the border from Mexico declared nothing more than a cooked meal.

A secondary inspection uncovered multiple suitcases which "seemed heavier than normal," according to a release from the organization.

Upon opening the suitcases officers found 40 rolls of Mexican pork bologna, which is illegal in the United States due to Mexican pork's potential to spread "foreign animal diseases to the U.S. pork industry."

Additionally, further investigation revealed "more than 280 boxes of undeclared prescription medicines," including Tramadol, a schedule IV controlled substance. Officers also found over $7,600 in "concealed currency."

The woman was fined $1,000, and the 748 pounds of bologna were destroyed.

"We stress that it is important that travelers educate themselves on what products are allowed to be legally entered from abroad," said the CBP Presidio Port Director Benito Reyes, Jr.