Cheese, bologna seizures sandwiched between inspections at Paso Del Norte border crossing

EL PASO, Texas -- Nearly a quarter-ton of bologna with a side of 285 pounds of cheese were seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers Thursday morning at the Paso Del Norte border crossing.

The bologna seizure happened just after 1:30 a.m. CBP officers discovered 44 rolls of the Mexican bologna hidden in a vehicle's toolbox and under a blanket on the floor of a truck.

“Pork products have the potential to introduce foreign animal diseases that can be detrimental to our agriculture industry,” said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio.

The driver of the truck, a 32-year-old U.S. citizen was assessed a $1,000 penalty.

The cheese seizure happened later that morning, just before 4:30 a.m., according to officials.

CBP officers found the cheese in several boxes hidden beneath a blanket.

A 43-year-old female U.S. citizen was assessed a $1,000 penalty.

“This was a commercial quantity and the importer failed to follow proper procedures to legally enter this product,” said Provencio.