Jose De Jesus Uribe, Importing Falsely Labeled Pesticides, California 2021

San Ysidro, CA – Jose De Jesus Uribe was sentenced on July 30, 2021, following his arrest at the San Ysidro Port of Entry for illegally importing unregistered pesticides into the United States. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and prosecuted by the Department of Justice, highlights ongoing concerns about the illicit trade of potentially dangerous agricultural chemicals.

According to court documents, Uribe attempted to enter the U.S. from Mexico on March 20, 2021, and twice falsely declared he had nothing to report to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. A subsequent vehicle search revealed 60 bottles of Metaldane 600 and 3 one-liter bottles of Biomec, both Mexican-produced pesticides. Crucially, these pesticides were labeled solely in Spanish and lacked the required U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration numbers—a critical safeguard ensuring product safety and efficacy.

The EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division played a key role in uncovering the details of the smuggling operation. The import of unregistered pesticides is a serious federal offense, as these products haven’t undergone the rigorous testing and evaluation required by U.S. law. This poses risks to agricultural workers, the environment, and potentially the food supply. Without EPA approval, the composition, potential toxicity, and proper application methods of these pesticides remain unknown.

Prosecutors argued that Uribe knowingly transported the pesticides despite being aware of their presence in his vehicle and his obligation to declare them. The intent to circumvent U.S. regulations was a central element of the case. The lack of proper labeling and registration also complicates tracking and potential remediation efforts should the pesticides be used improperly.

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Legal Ramifications

Uribe was found guilty of violating Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. 545, which prohibits knowingly importing or transporting falsely labeled or misbranded pesticides. He received a sentence of time served for the 11 days he had already been incarcerated, along with three years of supervised release. Furthermore, Uribe was ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to cover investigative costs and potential environmental impact assessment.

Key Facts

Defendant: Jose De Jesus Uribe
Location: San Ysidro Port of Entry, California
Date of Incident: March 20, 2021
Pesticides Seized: 60 bottles of Metaldane 600, 3 bottles of Biomec
Statute Violated: 18 U.S.C. 545 (Importing Misbranded Pesticides)
Sentence: Time served (11 days), 3 years supervised release, $3,000 restitution
Key Issue: Pesticides lacked EPA registration and were labeled in Spanish.

The EPA continues to prioritize the enforcement of laws regulating pesticide importation, working closely with CBP and other federal agencies to intercept illegal shipments and protect public health and the environment. This case serves as a warning to those who attempt to bypass U.S. regulations regarding hazardous substances.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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