LEWISTON, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at the Lewiston Bridge Port of Entry seized African violet plants with roots and soil.
On Saturday, CBP agriculture specialists encountered a 56-year-old female citizen of Canada and after initial inquiry CBP officers referred her for further inspection.
During the secondary inspection, the subject gave a negative declaration when asked if there were any agricultural products in her vehicle, to include food or plants. CBP Specialists then conducted a vehicle inspection and discovered four African violet plants with roots and soil.
N.Y. Bridge.
These African violet plants are prohibited as they can carry pests and disease, causing tremendous harm to our ecological system. Agricultural items such as these are allowed entry if they are accompanied by the proper paperwork issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
“Our Agricultural Specialists play a vital role within CBP,” said Buffalo Port Director, Jennifer De La O. “Items such as these can cause millions of dollars in damage to both our environment and economy with the introduction of pests and disease.”
After CBP processing, the subject was issued a $300 penalty and the items were seized for destruction.
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