CBP Seizes 257 Pounds Of Opium Poppy Pods In Shipments From Spain

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted 257 pounds of opium poppy pods from air cargo shipments that arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport last week.

On Feb. 12, CBP officers seized 32 parcels of poppy pods shipped from Madrid, Spain, weighing a total of 75 pounds and seven ounces. On Feb. 19, CBP officers seized 49 parcels of poppy pods, also from Madrid, weighing a total of 141 pounds and nine ounces. On Friday, Feb. 21, CBP officers seized 35 parcels of poppy pods, also from Madrid, weighing a total of 40 pounds and nine ounces.

In total, CBP officers seized 257 pounds and nine ounces of poppy pods, with an estimated street value of around $25,000.

All of the parcels were manifested as “ornamental decora craft balls.” The packages were destined for multiple address across the United States.

Opium poppies produce the naturally occurring opiates morphine and codeine. Opium is highly addictive, and opium abuse can lead to overdose The poppy plant, including poppy pods, poppy straw, and poppy straw concentrate in liquid, solid, or powder form, are a Schedule II controlled substance.

Opium poppies can only be imported by licensed entities, such as pharmaceutical companies, and they can only be imported from legitimate sources in regulated countries.

“The opioid epidemic remains a very real and a very serious health concern,” Christine Waugh, Area Port Director for CBPs Area Port of Washington, D.C., said in a statement. “Customs and Border Protection officers remain committed to keeping our communities safe by intercepting dangerous products, like these illegal poppy pods, at our nations ports of entry.”