Customs agents at LAX discovered 200 pounds of dates a passenger was carrying as accompanying luggage, authorities said Tuesday.
Agriculture specialists said the passenger, who was traveling from Qatar, admitted to the dates after a secondary inspection.
The passenger told authorities the fresh dates were from Saudi Arabia.
Agents seized 10 plastic baskets for a total of 200 pounds of fruit.
"Fresh dates (fruit palm) from Qatar and Saudi Arabia are prohibited into the United States due to the possibility of disease and insect infestation," according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
