U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) agriculture specialists recently uncovered multiple pests and invasive seeds while inspecting rail containers at the Portal Port of Entry rail facility.
A team of specialists normally assigned in Pembina, N.D., and International Falls, Minn., joined staff at the Portal Port of Entry to conduct a two-day special enforcement operation. CBP agriculture specialists regularly inspect commercial shipments to ensure that they meet critical import requirements. The specialists also inspected for prohibited products such as seed or soil contamination, regulated waste, and invasive insects.
Over two days, several rail containers were revealed to have multiple unwanted pests and invasive seeds. In total, 55 different pests were submitted for identification.
“Our CBP agriculture specialists continue to be our first line of defense in protecting our borders from unwanted pests and diseases that could adversely affect our nation’s food production,” Jason Schmelz, area port director in Pembina, said. “The high success rate in finding pests in these containers is the result of outstanding inspections conducted by dedicated agriculture specialists.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of the nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry.