https://twitter.com/latimes/status/667017097235574784
A traveler got a “chili” reception when trying to smuggle pork tamales into the United States.

US Customs and Border Protection slapped the person with a $1,000 fine after discovering some 450 meat tamales hidden in the passenger’s luggage, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“Although tamales are a popular holiday tradition, foreign meat products can carry serious animal diseases from countries affected by outbreaks of Avian influenza, mad cow and swine fever,” said Anne Maricich, the Customs and Border Protection’s acting field operations director in Los Angeles.

When confronted during the Nov. 2 stop, the person lied and said the tamales didn’t contain any meat, officials said.

Authorities deemed the tamales illegal, fining the traveler for commercial activity with the intent to distribute — because they believed the person was going sell the traditional Mexican dish to Americans, the Times reported.

Officials later destroyed the forbidden delicacies.