San Diego man charged with smuggling banned cancer-risk pesticide across border

A 43-year-old San Diego man appeared in federal court Wednesday for allegedly smuggling 24 liters of banned Mexican pesticide Taktic into the U.S. through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. The suspect, a Mexican citizen, was apprehended in August with the chemicals concealed in his vehicle and did not declare them at the border. He allegedly admitted this was not his first smuggling attempt and expected payment upon delivery. The pesticide contains amitraz, banned in the U.S. since 2019 due to reproductive, developmental, neurological, and potential cancer risks. The suspect faces a felony smuggling charge with up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.