SANTA TERESA, N.M. (AP) — Customs agents will step up searches for banned flowers meant for Valentine's Day being smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico over worries about diseases and pests, federal officials announced.

Agriculture specialists will be stationed at El Paso, Texas, ports of entry to inspect flowers and plants being brought over the border, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said this week.

Live plants, seeds and bulbs are not allowed entry into the United States without special permits and documents certifying they are disease-free.

"CBP agriculture specialists are working hard eve...