US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have seized more than 100 Thai pork sandwiches from a traveller’s luggage at an airport in Washington on 18 April 2026. The items were detected by a K9 unit and immediately confiscated and destroyed. Authorities used the case to reiterate strict rules on importing meat products into the United States.

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According to CBP’s Office of Field Operations, the detection dog, a beagle named Merla, identified the prohibited food during baggage screening. Officers found over 100 “classic-style” Thai sandwiches containing pork floss and bologna, along with additional pork and chicken products. Images of the seizure were later shared on CBP’s official Facebook page.

US regulations require all agricultural goods to be declared upon entry, with strict bans in place on importing meat and processed animal products. These restrictions cover pork, chicken and beef in any form, including items such as pork floss, Chinese sausage, dried pork, fermented pork and seasoning packets containing meat ingredients. Officials emphasised that failure to declare such items can result in fines of up to $10,000.

CBP stated that the measures are designed to prevent the spread of serious animal diseases, including African swine fever and avian influenza. Such outbreaks could have severe consequences for US agriculture and ecosystems. Authorities also reminded travellers that other restricted items include fresh produce, seeds, certain animal products, dangerous weapons and medicines without English labelling.

The case highlights ongoing enforcement efforts at US borders, where K9 units play a key role in identifying undeclared agricultural goods. Officials continue to encourage travellers to check regulations before travelling and to declare all relevant items to avoid penalties. Increased awareness campaigns are expected to continue as international travel volumes remain high.

Khaosod reported that the CBP will maintain strict screening procedures and public messaging to deter violations. Travellers entering the United States are advised to comply fully with declaration requirements to prevent delays, confiscations or financial penalties.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 20 Apr 2026

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Makes you wonder what the going "street price" is for a Thai Pork Sandwich in Washington.

15 or so years ago I was flying from BKK to LAX via NRT. The same day, Japan was hit by a massive earthquake. Prior to embarkation, we were told there would be no food available at NRT. Just in case, I bought a pre-wrapped ham & cheese sandwich at a kiosk and put it in my carry-on.

There was food at NRT and the usual in flight meals. The sandwich remained forgotten in my bag.

I was flying as a courier carrying commercial goods so it's always "Line-B" at Customs.

"Anything further to declare?" the customs officer asked me. "Nope."

Going through my backpack: "So, what's this?" triumphally holding up my forgotten ham & cheese. Inspectors were called, the offending article grasped by steel tongs and dropped into what looked like a bomb disposal bin.

Several stern lectures later, I was allowed to pass into the free world, no incarceration, no fine.

About 5 years later, while at customs, I was asked: "Have you ever previously brought undeclared forbidden items into the United States. "No", I responded.

"There wasn't an incidence of undeclared food items previously", he asked sternly.

"Ohh...um..Well, there was this ham & cheese sandwich..........

Be careful. It follows you.