Operation “Hot Chile” see chile importation increase at Columbus Port of Entry USCBP specialists processing 100 shipments daily
COLUMBUS PORT OF ENTRY, NM - CBP agriculture specialists expect to see a peak in the number of shipments they get through the port.
In 2021 specialists processed about 11,000 shipments of chile. Volume is expected to increase in 2022.
"CBP is addressing this increased workload by assigning additional agriculture specialists to the Columbus port from other locations," said acting CBP Columbus Port Director Sam Jimenez. "
The number of imports have increased every year, back in 2016 the number of imports stood at over 8,900.
The additional staff is expected to help with additional interceptions. In 2021, 119 pest interceptions were made. A review of the pests showed 25 were actionable resulting in the shipments being returned to Mexico.
“Chile is a huge crop for farmers in New Mexico so it is important that CBP agriculture specialists identify and stop any dangerous pests from making it into the state and potentially spreading to domestic operations,” said Jimenez.
All arriving shipments are subject to a non-intrusive x-ray scan. Followed by a physical inspection of the shipment, to search for pests, disease, and contamination such as soil or federal noxious weed seed.
The chile import season begins in late July. The busiest period is September and October. Imports are reduced through November and generally end in mid-December.
