Cincinnati CBP Seizes Largest Synthetic Drug Shipment In Port History

The shipment contained regulated medications, agriculture and food products, intellectual property rights violations, and 530 pounds of synthetic drugs and controlled substances.

Photos by U.S. Customs and Border Control Protection.

(Cincinnati, Oh.) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers announced the largest synthetic drug seizure in the history of the Port of Cincinnati that happened in early May.

On May 11,Cincinnati CPB officers searched an air shipment coming from China and heading to a single importer in Aurora, Colorado. 

Over 160 smaller packages addressed to individuals and businesses across the nation were inside the the shipment. The smaller packages contained multiple different items, including regulated medications, agriculture and food products, intellectual property rights violations such as counterfeit handbags and shoes, and 530 pounds of synthetic drugs and controlled substances.

“As the country’s first line of defense, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is tasked with protecting our nation’s borders as we face an ever-changing threat environment. Synthetic drugs threaten the health and safety of our nation’s citizens. This seizure epitomizes the dedication of our officers and showcases the significant role they play in ensuring CBP’s strategy to combat the illicit flow of narcotics is successful,” Director of CBP Field Operations for the Chicago Field Office Robert E. White says.

Of the 530 pounds of illicit narcotics and controlled substances, approximately 435 pounds were Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances, while the other was Schedule III and IV substances and various prohibited or regulated products. This includes prescription medications such as sedatives, steroids, anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications, and medications intended for prevention or treatment of COVID-19.

A minimum of 192 pounds of substances are known precursors for fentanyl synthesis.

156 pounds of synthetic cannabinoids (Spice and K2) and 16 pounds of synthetic cathinones (bath salts) was included in the 530 pounds of controlled substances, and has a street value of $2,003,837.

“I want to commend everyone involved in making sure these deadly substances were never allowed to reach the streets of our communities,” said Cleveland Area Port Director Diann Rodriguez.

Additionally, CBP agriculture specialists found 162 pounds of prohibited products, including unlabeled veterinary medications, meat products, and fruit peels. None of the materials found were listed on any manifest included with the shipment.

A number of intellectual property rights violations were also found during the seizure. Counterfeit items containing large brand names such as Apple, Air Jordan, Louis Vuitton, Samsung, Tory Burch, Yeezy, and fake COVID-19 test kits were confiscated. 

The total manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) would have been $1,256,787 if the products would have been genuine.

“This is the largest synthetic seizure in the history of our port,” said Cincinnati Port Director Richard Gillespie. “I’m extremely proud of our officers who worked to make sure these dangerous drugs and illicit items were removed from the hands of citizens and the American commerce.”