Did you know that prohibited foods and animals are becoming a big problem at the Texas/Mexico border? Over a four-day period ending on Sunday, Jan. 8, CBP agriculture specialists at Laredo Port of Entry international bridges made 540 interceptions of prohibited plant materials, 221 interceptions of prohibited animal materials, and issued 57 penalties totaling $18,375 in fines.

Also confiscated by the border patrol were more notable items such as three live bee interceptions, two live bird seizures, and the interception of a live turtle in addition to significant quantities of pork and prohibited fruits. The live birds were turned over to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services and the turtle was turned over to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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EGG SMUGGLING ON THE RISE:

Customs and Border Protection public affairs specialist Francisco Rodriguez says the agency has seen a 300% increase in egg seizures within the past month.

In case you didn't know, it is illegal to bring raw eggs from Mexico into the United States. You can however bring cooked eggs across the border. For example: the eggs inside of your already prepared breakfast taco. You can also bring hard boiled eggs across as well, since they are considered 'sterilized.'  If you are caught smuggling eggs, you could be fined up to $300.00 if the eggs are not declared at the border.

DRUG BUST ARE ON THE RISE ON THE BORDER:

Drugs have been found in some pretty unusual places. The border between Texas and Mexico is very important for drug cartels trying to smuggle their wares into the country. Cartels are trying to sneak in any drug that you can think of. From crystal meth and heroin to marijuana and counterfeit pills, there is no shortage of illicit substances coming up from south of the border and into the United States via Mexico and Texas. The further north the drugs make it in the United States the more money the cartel makes.  Check out some of the unusual attempts that have been made.

WEIRDEST DRUG BUST AT THE TEXAS BORDER

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