August 11, 2006

Mexican Caught Smuggling Cheese

A smuggler was caught bringing cheese, not illegal immigrants nor drugs, into the U.S.

Officers using an X-ray machine saw the outline of 16 bulky packages stashed in a secret compartment behind the seat, which they initially believed were packets containing illicit drugs.

"Generally if you see something (with the X-ray machine) you expect it to be narcotics, but this turned out to be cheese," Maier told Reuters by telephone.

Officers regularly impound drugs including marijuana, heroin and cocaine at border crossings from Mexico, although Maier said the smuggled cheese haul was unusual.

"It looks like it was destined for people who wanted a taste of the old country," he added.

Police arrested the 38-year-old driver, seized the cheese and confiscated the truck because he failed to declare his cargo.

There's a Wisconsin joke in this story somewhere. Help me out.

"U.S. Border Cops Nab Mexican Cheese Smuggler" [via Netscape]