Calexico CBP Thwarts Entry of Pale-Striped Flea Beetles Twice
November 18, 2009On November 9, on two separate occasions, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agricultural specialists prevented the Chrysomelidae, a Systena species pest known as the Pale-striped flea beetle, from entering the United States through the Calexico port of entry.
The pests were discovered during tailgate inspections in the cargo import facility of the Calexico East port of entry. In the first shipment the pests were discovered in more than 700 boxes of fresh Red Oak, fresh Red Romaine, and fresh Arugula produce. The second shipment that was intercepted contained more than 800 boxes of Mizuna, Coriander, and Tango produce. Both shipments were re-exported back to Mexico.
According to Billy Whitford, the director of port operations in Calexico, preventing pests that pose a risk to our agriculture industry is just another facet of the responsibilities of U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists and officers who are guarding the ports of entry.
“We are not only aggressively combating the flow of illegal narcotics and preventing people from illegally entering our nation,” he said. “We also dedicate the same amount of effort to preventing pests such as the Pale-striped beetle which pose risks to our borders.”
