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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.
Egg Busts Climb As CBP Issues Warnings
CBP agents at the Detroit border crossing saw a 36% increase in egg-related seizures this fiscal year, with similar jumps reported nationwide. In the San Diego Field Office alone, egg interceptions skyrocketed 158% since fiscal year 2024, CBP announced on Feb. 27.
CBP El Paso reported at least 90 attempted egg-smuggling incidents since January, issuing civil penalties totaling nearly $4,000. Travelers caught attempting to sneak in raw eggs from Mexico face fines up to $10,000, CBP warned.
The agency attributes the crackdown to disease concerns. "Items like soiled bird cages or used egg cartons can spread Virulent Newcastle disease and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza," CBP said, emphasizing the ongoing risks from the worst U.S. bird flu outbreak on record.
Fentanyl Seizures Drop Sharply
While egg smuggling soars, fentanyl seizures at U.S. ports of entry are trending downward. CBP intercepted the deadly opioid just 134 times in January and February 2025—a 32% decline from the 197 busts during the same period in 2024.
At the northern border with Canada, fentanyl seizures remain rare. Of the 134 fentanyl-related incidents this year, just nine were at the northern border, totaling only 0.53 kilograms out of 740 kilograms confiscated nationwide. By contrast, the southwestern border remains the epicenter of the fentanyl crisis, with 9,570 kilograms seized last year alone.
Egg Prices Remain Sky-High
Despite Trump's pledge to lower egg prices, costs have continued to climb. The latest Consumer Price Index shows the average price of a dozen Grade A eggs in the U.S. hit $5.90 USD ($8.40 CAD) in February—up 10.4% from last year.
CBP officials are urging travelers to check federal guidelines before bringing any agricultural products into the U.S. The agency says it will continue enforcing restrictions on raw eggs, poultry, and other disease-prone food items at all ports of entry.
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