U.S. Officials Intensify Crackdown on Smuggling Rare Eggs Across the Border

U.S. border officials have ramped up efforts to curb the smuggling of eggs, making 3,254 seizures in January and February 2025—a staggering 116% increase from the previous year. This surge coincides with soaring egg prices, up 59% year-over-year, largely due to avian flu outbreaks affecting supplies. In contrast, fentanyl seizures have dropped 32%, highlighting a shift in enforcement focus.

Currently, a dozen eggs retails for about $5.90 in the U.S., while prices vary significantly across borders, with Canadian costs remaining lower. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s recent data shows a 36% rise in egg interceptions from October 2024 to February 2025, as officials combat both economic impacts and health threats linked to avian flu.