Illicit alcohol seized at Texas-Mexico border

More than 1,000 containers of possibly tainted or counterfeit alcohol have been seized at the Texas-Mexico border so far this year.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission shared pictures of some of the alcohol to raise awareness of the problem. Officials said travelers are bringing the “illicit alcohol” across the border in unmarked containers.

"It's not uncommon for our TCOs to identify alcohol in unmarked containers, such as a gasoline container or water bottle," said TABC Port of Entry Chief John Reney said. "These products, if allowed to enter Texas, could prove dangerous to consumers.”

Reney said the products sometimes contain dangerous or illegal additives, making them unsafe for human consumption. TABC tries to destroy them before they can enter the marketplace in Texas.

Recently the U.S. State Department warned tourists going to Mexico about reports of tainted or substandard alcohol causing drinkers to become sick or pass out.

In January a 20-Wisconsin woman vacationing with her family died after having only a few drinks. She was pulled from a resort pool. Her 22-year-old brother also blacked out and woke up with a lump on his forehead and severe concussion.

Dozens of other tourists have reported similar experiences after drinking limited amounts of alcohol at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico.