The American citizen faces huge fines to bring this common element by mistake to the country from abroad: “Are they serious?”

Is this banana?

A simple travel error is likely to cost a lot.

Dylan Oberne, a New Jersey citizen residing in Nashville, was returning from a journey in Southeast Asia when he accidentally collected customs regulations by bringing an accused element – but is prohibited.

His journey from Singapore landed at John F. Kennedy in New York, where he passed through customs and was asked if he had any things he announces. At that time, he said, “No.”

“I don’t buy anything on trips – perhaps like a ornament for friends, but nothing I need to announce – and we are going through.”

Then they went to claim luggage. O’Byrne and his parents were “tired” and were happy to return to the United States, just to be suspended by the border patrol agents while trying to call Uber.

O’Byrne summoned police dogs inhale about his luggage and the officers are asking whether he has repeated anything “prohibited”. After denying the Samel family, the dog sat next to the Obein bag.

He said: “I am like,” What can this dog find? “

“banana.”

The officer did not need to search hard for smuggled fruits – he was sitting directly over the O’Byrne bag. He has forgotten that he stumbled on bananas in the airport hall while stopping in Germany to save a snack.

The border patrol agents confirmed that before he wiped his passport and informed him that he was likely to face a “penalty”.

“I am like, are they serious? Oberin said:” They are joking, right? “No, they are not joking.”

He added: “I have searched the matter, and even bananas can prohibit you from global entry and a fine of $ 500.”

On the date of publication last month, O’Byrne did not know whether he would actually face a punishment for bringing the banned element to the United States. The post called him to comment.

“I was truly full. I know what could be and what it could not be brought across the border – I have traveled throughout my life, visited more than 20 countries, and I explored all of the fifty states accurately. But the way in which I was treated was surprised as a stranger.”

According to the US Department of Agriculture, the United States prevents most agricultural products from entering the country due to the risk of pests and diseases that may affect the environment in the states.

American customs and border protection spokesman Anthony Pucci told the publication that although the agency cannot discuss the details of individuals inspections, “all agricultural elements must be announced” and the banned elements are confiscated.

“More importantly, civil sanctions may be evaluated because the banned agricultural products may not be announced and up to $ 1,000 for each crime for the first time for non -commercial quantities,” Pucci said. “If the items are determined to use, the violations will be assessed at a much higher rate.”

According to the CBP, what is allowed to allow the permissible fruits and vegetables in the United States “depends on a number of factors”, pointing to an example in the 1980s when a piece of contaminated fruit was brought to the United States to the outbreak of the fruit fly that cost millions of cleaning.

The site also warns of travelers that failure to announce agricultural elements will lead to a fine of $ 300 for criminals for the first time, while the second violation will receive a penalty of $ 500.

“Sometimes you travel for 42 hours, sleep less than 6, and forget,” Obern said in the comments.

Tiktokers was quickly to inform him that, in fact, “a dangerous violation”, while others said they “could completely see” how this could happen by getting rid of a piece of fruit at the airport.

“Fruits, vegetables, flowers, etc., can carry insects or diseases that can affect our cultivation,” one person was stuck.

“Any example [they] I tell you 100 times not to bring fruits before it lands, “

Another person said: “This has just happened to a friend for me for my orange,” claiming that the person paid $ 1,000 of fines.

One of the users warned: “If you are the type who cannot remember what they have or what is not always allowed to announce.” “You can announce snacks and then they will ask follow -up questions and check your bag.”

But O’Byrne called on legislators and organizers to “take into account the distinction between a sincere mistake and a deliberate attempt to circumvent the border regulations.”

“The laws that protect our borders are very important, but also apply them with integrity and appreciation,” newsweek told newsweek.

“I completely respect the need for border security, but I also hope that there will be room for a proper sense of how to apply sanctions. Laws aimed at protecting our nation must focus on real threats, and not travelers who make a slight, unintended mistake 40 hours after crossing.”