C.B.P News Release

CBP Seizes 90 Types of Prescription Drugs from Traveler Smuggling Controlled Substances, Prohibited Foods

(Monday, September 21, 2009)

Houston - U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists on Wednesday intercepted a traveler smuggling 90 different types of prescription drugs, 60 pounds of cheese, 1 kilogram of chipilin and 1 kilogram of potatoes.

The traveler packed in her luggage different prescription drugs including more than 1,000 Tetracycline pills in varying dosage amounts, 225 Amoxicillin pills, and 76 birth control pills. The smuggled agriculture produce poses a risk of introduction of exotic disease and pests, including nematodes, a roundworm that can cause diseases in plants, animals, and humans. CBP determined the traveler was transporting the items for commercial gain.

Commercial couriers attempt to blend in with passengers to circumvent U.S. import laws. They pose a direct harm to U.S. consumers as in some cases the products they illegally smuggled often end up in local neighborhood markets. Consumers buying the items are unaware these products may pose a serious health risk.

“CBP officers and agriculture specialists are charged with safeguarding the nation which includes enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws,â€