Surprising border busts: These everyday items outnumber fentanyl in seizures…How?
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In a twist that might scramble expectations, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data has revealed a peculiar trend at American borders.
While the nation continues to grapple with the opioid crisis, a new kind of contraband has taken the lead in seizures.
In the fiscal year 2025, there have been more egg-related interceptions than those involving fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that has been a significant focus of law enforcement for years.
You might be wondering why eggs are suddenly on the radar of border security. The answer lies in the avian flu outbreak that has been ravaging poultry populations across the US
This epidemic has not only led to the culling of millions of domestic birds but has also caused egg prices to skyrocket, leading some consumers to seek cheaper alternatives across the border.
As the bird flu outbreak continues to disrupt the US egg supply, data from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reveals that more egg products have been seized at US borders than fentanyl so far in fiscal year 2025.
According to CBP records, there have been 413 fentanyl-related drug seizure events in fiscal year 2025. Additionally, the number of fentanyl seizures in December, January, and February was lower compared to the same months in the previous year.
So far in fiscal year 2025, there have been 5,572 interceptions of egg products, according to CBP data. In comparison, nearly 16,000 interceptions were recorded throughout fiscal year 2024.
In February, the San Diego field office reported a 158% surge in egg interceptions compared to the previous fiscal year.
CBP has stated that the majority of egg product interceptions have occurred because many travelers were unaware that these items are not allowed across the border.
"Travelers are prohibited from bringing fresh eggs, raw chicken, or live birds into the United States from Mexico," the agency emphasized.
Officials have warned that despite the lower cost of these products in certain areas, they pose significant health risks and could exacerbate existing problems.
In a February statement, CBP's San Diego office highlighted the ongoing dangers, saying, "According to US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service statistics, a devastating outbreak of avian influenza has affected millions of domestic birds in the United States, contributing to rising egg and poultry prices.
The agency further stressed the role of human activity in spreading disease, stating, "This ongoing bird flu outbreak, the worst on record, serves as a reminder of the role human behaviors, such as transporting birds and avian products, can play in disease transmission.
Items like soiled bird cages or used egg cartons can spread diseases, including Virulent Newcastle disease," a highly contagious respiratory virus that is often fatal to birds.
Can You Bring Egg Products Into the US?
According to the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, most eggs and egg products cannot be brought into the US from countries affected by certain poultry diseases, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) and virulent Newcastle disease.
Travelers can check country statuses for these diseases online. There are strict restrictions on bringing fresh eggs and other poultry products into the US from Mexico and Canada, with few exceptions.
Also read: Avoid bird flu fears: Get the eggs experts say you should be buying now!
Permitted items include:
Source: CBS News / Youtube.
For more details on traveling with egg products, additional information is available here.
You might be interested: Shocking egg heist: 100,000 eggs stolen—how this could impact your grocery bill
Have you or someone you know been affected by the rising egg prices or the avian flu outbreak? Do you have tips for navigating travel restrictions or staying informed about changing regulations? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
While the nation continues to grapple with the opioid crisis, a new kind of contraband has taken the lead in seizures.
In the fiscal year 2025, there have been more egg-related interceptions than those involving fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that has been a significant focus of law enforcement for years.
You might be wondering why eggs are suddenly on the radar of border security. The answer lies in the avian flu outbreak that has been ravaging poultry populations across the US
This epidemic has not only led to the culling of millions of domestic birds but has also caused egg prices to skyrocket, leading some consumers to seek cheaper alternatives across the border.
As the bird flu outbreak continues to disrupt the US egg supply, data from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reveals that more egg products have been seized at US borders than fentanyl so far in fiscal year 2025.
There has been a significant increase in egg product seizures at US borders compared to fentanyl in fiscal year 2025 due to a crackdown on unauthorized imports amidst avian flu concerns. Image source: Firstpost / Youtube.
According to CBP records, there have been 413 fentanyl-related drug seizure events in fiscal year 2025. Additionally, the number of fentanyl seizures in December, January, and February was lower compared to the same months in the previous year.
So far in fiscal year 2025, there have been 5,572 interceptions of egg products, according to CBP data. In comparison, nearly 16,000 interceptions were recorded throughout fiscal year 2024.
In February, the San Diego field office reported a 158% surge in egg interceptions compared to the previous fiscal year.
CBP has stated that the majority of egg product interceptions have occurred because many travelers were unaware that these items are not allowed across the border.
"Travelers are prohibited from bringing fresh eggs, raw chicken, or live birds into the United States from Mexico," the agency emphasized.
Officials have warned that despite the lower cost of these products in certain areas, they pose significant health risks and could exacerbate existing problems.
In a February statement, CBP's San Diego office highlighted the ongoing dangers, saying, "According to US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service statistics, a devastating outbreak of avian influenza has affected millions of domestic birds in the United States, contributing to rising egg and poultry prices.
US Customs and Border Protection data shows that there have been 5,572 egg product interceptions so far this fiscal year, a substantial rise from the previous year. Image source: Firstpost / Youtube.
The agency further stressed the role of human activity in spreading disease, stating, "This ongoing bird flu outbreak, the worst on record, serves as a reminder of the role human behaviors, such as transporting birds and avian products, can play in disease transmission.
Items like soiled bird cages or used egg cartons can spread diseases, including Virulent Newcastle disease," a highly contagious respiratory virus that is often fatal to birds.
Can You Bring Egg Products Into the US?
According to the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, most eggs and egg products cannot be brought into the US from countries affected by certain poultry diseases, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) and virulent Newcastle disease.
Travelers can check country statuses for these diseases online. There are strict restrictions on bringing fresh eggs and other poultry products into the US from Mexico and Canada, with few exceptions.
Also read: Avoid bird flu fears: Get the eggs experts say you should be buying now!
Permitted items include:
- Commercially packaged and labeled cooked, shelf-stable food products that remain unopened.
- Cooked eggs or egg products that have been inspected by agents.
- Egg shells (with egg white and egg yolk removed), if in passenger baggage and decorated/etched/painted, clean, and dry
- Package labels
- Proof of travel
- Flight origin information
- Receipts
Source: CBS News / Youtube.
For more details on traveling with egg products, additional information is available here.
You might be interested: Shocking egg heist: 100,000 eggs stolen—how this could impact your grocery bill
Have you or someone you know been affected by the rising egg prices or the avian flu outbreak? Do you have tips for navigating travel restrictions or staying informed about changing regulations? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
