CBP Agents Seize Qatar Travelers Date

Los Angeles, Ca (Aug 25) – In an unusual incident at the Tom Bradley International Terminal in Los Angeles, agents discover an inbound traveler from Qatar in possession of over 200 dates.

Not the typical souvenir nonetheless, importing dates into the United States could lead to an agriculture disaster as these fresh fruits, have been known to carry disease and parasites.

CBP Agents, questioning the passenger who, openly declared the fresh fruits, referred the passenger to a secondary inspection area where CPB Agriculture specialists discover 20 containers of fresh dates.

Carlos Martel CBP acting director of field operation in Los Angeles had this to say, “CBP agriculture specialists play an active role in protecting the U.S. agriculture industry and I applaud the efforts that lead to this important discovery. The introduction of foreign pests and plant diseases, even if accidental, is a significant threat to American agriculture with potentially severe consequences to our nation’s farming industry and economy.”

The Qatar traveler’s dates were confiscated and the man sent on his way.

In a press release regarding the incident, CBP reminds travelers, “[sic] CBP agriculture specialists use their extensive education and expertise to protect American agriculture and the food supply by preventing the introduction of harmful pests, plant and animal diseases, and biological threats.”

Posted by worldnews on August 25, 2010. Filed under Crime - Punishment,Health and Living,National News,News,US Criminal Justice,WorldNewsVine. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.