Cops Seize 756 Pounds of Smuggled Bologna
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: November 24, 2003
EL PASO, Texas (AP) -- Border agents last week landed a meaty bust, seizing 756 pounds of bologna arranged into the shape of a car seat and covered with blankets in a man's pickup.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 81 rolls of Mexican bologna Friday at the Paso Del Norte bridge as the pickup entered the United States.
``It puts the ultimate consumer at risk,'' said customs spokesman Roger Maier. ``Who knows how long these products have gone without refrigeration or without proper handling?''
Children were sitting on top of the illegal load before it was discovered, Maier said. The rear seat had been removed from the extended-cab pickup and the bologna was put in its place.
He said the agency plans to pursue civil penalties against the Mexican man driving the truck. Maier said the agency won't release the man's name until the case goes to trial.
Maier said the bologna goes for about $1 a roll in Juarez. When it is sold to a customer in the United States, it can go for between $5 and $10 a roll , he said.
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By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: November 24, 2003
EL PASO, Texas (AP) -- Border agents last week landed a meaty bust, seizing 756 pounds of bologna arranged into the shape of a car seat and covered with blankets in a man's pickup.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 81 rolls of Mexican bologna Friday at the Paso Del Norte bridge as the pickup entered the United States.
``It puts the ultimate consumer at risk,'' said customs spokesman Roger Maier. ``Who knows how long these products have gone without refrigeration or without proper handling?''
Children were sitting on top of the illegal load before it was discovered, Maier said. The rear seat had been removed from the extended-cab pickup and the bologna was put in its place.
He said the agency plans to pursue civil penalties against the Mexican man driving the truck. Maier said the agency won't release the man's name until the case goes to trial.
Maier said the bologna goes for about $1 a roll in Juarez. When it is sold to a customer in the United States, it can go for between $5 and $10 a roll , he said.
- Skinny 11-25-2003 1:38 am