CBP San Juan supports USDA response to Mediterranean fruit fly detection in Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel at the Area Port of San Juan are supporting the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine emergency response following the July 2026 detection of Mediterranean fruit fly specimens in Old San Juan.
The Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture declared a phytosanitary emergency on July 28 after USDA APHIS identified two Mediterranean fruit fly specimens through its ongoing network of agricultural pest traps and inspections.
On Sept. 28, USDA and Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture officials established a Mediterranean fruit fly quarantine in Old San Juan to help prevent the spread of the invasive pest. The response includes active agricultural monitoring and inspections by CBP and USDA APHIS personnel, as well as inspection of regulated host material moving from the quarantined area.
The Mediterranean fruit fly, scientifically known as Ceratitis capitata and commonly known as the Medfly, is one of the world’s most destructive agricultural pests. It can infest hundreds of fruits and vegetables, including citrus, mangoes, guava, tomatoes and peppers. If established in Puerto Rico, the pest could threaten tropical fruit production, cause crop losses, disrupt trade and require costly eradication measures.
“The partnership between CBP and USDA APHIS PPQ reflects CBP’s continued commitment to agricultural safeguarding, interagency coordination, and operational readiness during emergency response efforts,” said Keyvan Santiago, CBP Branch Chief at the Port of San Juan. “Through heightened monitoring protocols, inspections of regulated host material and coordinated logistical support, CBP and USDA APHIS PPQ are working together to reduce the risk of further spread and support eradication activities in Puerto Rico.”
CBP personnel at San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport tracked, safeguarded and expedited the importation of live sterile Mediterranean fruit fly pupae from Guatemala. The shipment supports USDA’s Sterile Insect Technique program, which releases sterile flies into affected areas to disrupt reproduction and suppress the pest population.
“This operation demonstrates the value of strong partnerships and rapid coordination when responding to agricultural threats,” said Acting Executive Director Timothy Lacasse with CBP’s Agriculture Programs and Trade Liaison. “CBP personnel in San Juan continue to provide the vigilance and mission focus needed to support USDA’s emergency response and help prevent the Medfly’s spread.”
CBP will continue providing logistical support and heightened surveillance as USDA APHIS and PPQ officials lead ongoing eradication efforts in Puerto Rico.
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