Colorado man accused of smuggling 230 pounds of cheese into the U.S. from Mexico

Federal agents seized 230 pounds of cheese

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Posted: 01/09/2013
Last Updated: 134 days ago

SANTA TERESA, N.M. - Federal agents working the Santa Teresa port of entry say they seized 230 pounds of cheese during a recent stop.

Authorities say the contraband queso was confiscated because it was determined to be a commercial-sized import. Individuals can bring across personal quantities of cheese, but officials say that's more in the range of about 10 pounds.

The port's director, Joane Thale-Lembo, says the shipment was seized and destroyed.

The cheese was found Friday in a pickup truck that had crossed from Mexico. It was inside three large ice chests.

A $300 civil penalty was levied against the driver, identified only as a 50-year-old resident of Colorado.

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