The Nation - News from Nov. 2, 1988

A “pest in the mail” bill providing stiff fines for mailing quarantined fruits and vegetables and requiring notices in post offices explaining what is unsafe to mail was signed by President Reagan. The legislation was backed by members of Congress from California, who said some infestations, such as outbreaks of the Mediterranean fruit fly, can be traced to materials shipped by mail into the state. Under the new law, a package may be opened after officials get a warrant from a U.S. magistrate. Deliberate violators can be punished by a fine of up to $1,000, a year in prison or both.