Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Laredo Port of Entry this week intercepted a large quantity of insecticide hidden within a vehicle.
On March 18, CBP officers at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge referred a 2015 Dodge Ram 3500 for a secondary examination. During secondary examination, CBP officers conducted further inspection of the vehicle, which included the use of a canine team. Physical inspection led to the discovery of 461.10 kg. (1,016.55 pounds) of the suspected insecticide Amitraz concealed within an external diesel tank in the vehicle.
CBP officers seized the vehicle, tank, and insecticide. Environmental Protection Agency and Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation into the seizure.
“Our frontline CBP officers’ continued dedication to the border security mission and their use of available tools and resources resulted in the referral and detection of a commercial quantity of insecticide hidden within a vehicle,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “CBP works hand in glove with other agency partners, to include the EPA, to ensure that all federal laws and regulations are adhered to, including those that govern the importation of powerful chemical compounds like insecticide.”
“Homeland Security Investigations plays a critical role in supporting U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Environmental Protection Agency in investigations involving the unlawful importation of regulated chemicals. HSI special agents work closely with CBP officers to identify, investigate, and disrupt attempts to smuggle commercial quantities of hazardous substances, such as insecticides, into the United States. Our collaborative efforts ensure that those who violate federal laws governing the importation and distribution of chemical compounds are held accountable, and that public safety and environmental standards are upheld,” said acting Special Agent in Charge, John A. Pasciucco, HSI San Antonio.
EPA Criminal Investigation Division was referred information related to the seizure for further investigation.
Lawful importation of Amitraz, a pesticide and acaricide, requires submission of EPA Form 3540-1 (Notice of Arrival) to the EPA before arrival. It must be registered with the EPA, properly labeled, and comply with safety standards. A CBP entry form must be submitted within five days of arrival, and the shipment is subject to CBP inspection.
