WASHINGTON — 18 April 2026, a US customs K9 unit has intercepted more than 100 Thai pork sandwiches in a traveller’s luggage, prompting authorities to reiterate strict bans on bringing meat products into the country.
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations shared images on its official Facebook page of “Merla”, a beagle detection dog known for sniffing out prohibited agricultural items.
CBP said the dog discovered over 100 “ancient-style” Thai sandwiches filled with pork floss and bologna, concealed in a passenger’s baggage. The items, which also included pork and chicken products, were immediately seized and destroyed.
In a caption accompanying the post, CBP reminded travellers that all agricultural goods, including meat, must be declared upon entry into the United States.
Authorities warned that importing meat and processed animal products, including pork, chicken and beef in any form, is strictly prohibited. This extends to items such as pork floss, Chinese sausage, dried pork, fermented pork and even seasoning packets containing meat ingredients.
Failure to declare such items can result in fines of up to $10,000 (about 321,000 baht).
CBP said the measures are in place to prevent the spread of animal diseases such as African swine fever and avian influenza, which could severely impact US agriculture and ecosystems.
Other prohibited items include fresh produce, seeds, certain animal products, dangerous weapons and medicines without English labelling, officials added.
