Egg-related seizures have surged 116% in the first two months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with officials reporting 3,254 interceptions, according to CBP data. The spike comes as U.S. egg prices continue to soar, driven by a historic avian flu outbreak decimating poultry farms nationwide. Meanwhile, fentanyl seizures have fallen 32% year-over-year.
While President Donald Trump has vowed to curb fentanyl trafficking, the more immediate smuggling crisis appears to be breakfast staples. In Windsor, Ontario, a dozen large eggs cost about $3.93 CAD at Walmart. Just across the border in Michigan, that same carton runs for $8.50 CAD, fueling an increase in cross-border egg trafficking, CBP said.
Most seizures are happening at official crossings, where travelers voluntarily declare their eggs, officials said. However, the real concern may be what isn’t being caught.
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