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Border Officials Seize Prohibited Plants, Fruits

PEMBINA, N.D. (AP) -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials say they confiscated a large amount of plants and fruits over the summer at Canadian border ports in North Dakota and Minnesota.

More than 8,000 prohibited items were seized from travelers entering the U.S. Officials say some of the items were infested with insects or diseases that pose a threat to the U.S. agriculture industry.

One shipment of pottery was infested with insects commonly known as thrips, which feed on developing flowers, fruits and vegetables.

Customs officials say fines of up to $300 were levied in some of the cases.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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