Customs and Border Patrol specialists find concealed insects, plants in vehicles from Mexico

NOGALES, AZ - Agriculture specialists with Customs and Border Patrol in Nogales seized over two dozen plants and various insects inside vehicles attempting to cross into the United States from Mexico.

The driver of the first vehicle initially denied possession of any agriculture specimen, but a secondary inspection led to the discovery of the concealed plants and insects.

The insects, some living and some dead, were found in a suitcase and inside the driver's pockets, according to a news release.

The driver told officials that he was a PhD student at the University of Arizona

The items were seized and turned over to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to further identify them.

More insects and insect collecting equipment were found in a second vehicle the following day.

Due to the fact that these insects were dead, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service obtained the specimens for identification.

Both drivers were fined for failing to declare the specimens, as well as for failing to obtain permits for them.

Violating certain acts, including the Plant Protection Act, can result in up to $1,000 fines for a first time offense.