A woman lost 748 pounds of bologna, 280 boxes of undisclosed prescription medications, and $7,600 in concealed currency at the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas. The 43-year-old U.S. citizen initially declared only a cooked meal during the inspection. However, a second inspection led to the discovery of the hidden items in her vehicle, resulting in a $1,000 fine for failing to declare them. The Mexican bologna was seized and destroyed because it is considered a prohibited product that could introduce foreign animal diseases to the U.S. pork industry. This incident underscores the importance of travelers educating themselves on what products are allowed to enter the U.S. borders and declaring all items to avoid fines and penalties. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection website provides a list of restricted and prohibited items, including dangerous toys, unsafe cars, bush meat, illegal substances, and other items that can be seized or incur civil penalties if not declared. Travelers are advised to familiarize themselves with these regulations to avoid similar consequences in the future.
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