Veronica Perez, Pesticide Smuggling, California 2021

San Diego, CA – Veronica Perez, 42, was sentenced to 60 days in federal prison earlier this month, concluding a case stemming from a July 2019 border crossing attempt where she attempted to illegally import highly toxic pesticides into the United States. The verdict, delivered by a federal jury in November 2020, and sentencing on August 2, 2021, highlights ongoing efforts by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice to combat the unlawful introduction of dangerous substances.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers initially discovered the concealed pesticides while inspecting Perez’s vehicle as she attempted to enter the U.S. from Mexico. Authorities found twenty containers of zinc phosphide, marketed under the trade name Fosfuro de Zinc, hidden within Perez’s purse. Further inspection of her vehicle revealed additional unregistered pesticides – Qufuran and Metaldane – adding to the severity of the charges. Perez failed to declare any of these substances to CBP officials.

The EPA’s criminal enforcement division took a keen interest in the case due to the extreme toxicity of zinc phosphide. Even a single pellet can prove fatal to small animals, and a minuscule amount – between seven drops and one teaspoon – is considered potentially lethal to a 150-pound person. The illegal importation of such a substance poses a significant risk to both human health and the environment, bypassing crucial regulatory oversight designed to ensure safe handling and application.

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Investigation & Legal Ramifications

The investigation, conducted by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, revealed Perez knowingly concealed the pesticides to avoid proper inspection and declaration. Prosecutors argued that Perez’s actions demonstrated a deliberate disregard for U.S. laws governing pesticide importation and distribution. The case underscores the strict regulations surrounding pesticides, which are intended to protect agricultural workers, consumers, and the environment from potentially devastating effects.

Perez was convicted of violating Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. 545, which prohibits the smuggling of goods into the United States. This federal statute carries a potential maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. While Perez received a 60-day sentence, the case serves as a warning to others attempting to circumvent pesticide regulations. The EPA continues to prioritize the prosecution of individuals and entities involved in the illegal trafficking of these hazardous materials.

Key Facts

Defendant: Veronica Perez
Crime: Smuggling unregistered and highly toxic pesticides
Location: San Diego, California border crossing
Date of Incident: July 11, 2019
Pesticides Involved: Zinc Phosphide (Fosfuro de Zinc), Qufuran, Metaldane
Statute Violated: 18 U.S.C. 545
Penalty: 60 days imprisonment
Lethal Dosage (Zinc Phosphide): 7 drops to 1 tsp can kill a 150lb person

The EPA urges anyone with information regarding the illegal importation or distribution of pesticides to contact their local EPA office or the agency’s tip line. GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on further developments in environmental crime.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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