San Diego resident charged with smuggling banned pesticides

Juan Velderrain Perez, a 43-year-old Mexican citizen residing in San Diego, has been charged with attempting to smuggle prohibited pesticides into California. Authorities apprehended Perez at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry with 24 liters of Mexican-labeled pesticides identified as ‘Taktic.’

The pesticides contain amitraz, an active ingredient that the Environmental Protection Agency has banned in the United States since at least 2019. Amitraz is linked to neurological, developmental, and reproductive risks, as well as long-term cancer risks.

According to prosecutors, Perez failed to declare the chemicals during a border stop and allegedly admitted to previous smuggling activities and the expectation of a delivery fee. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 15. If convicted, Perez faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.