CBP Seizes 71 Shipments Of Human Growth Hormone, Steroids, Other Dangerous Chemicals

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it intercepted 71 shipments of human growth hormone and other dangerous chemicals in a weeklong operation spanning five ports of entry and two international airports.

CBP Office of Field Operations officers stationed in Chicago led the operation from March 16 to 22, with participation from personnel at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Port of Memphis, Port of Louisville, Port of Indianapolis, and Port of Cincinnati.

Officers were focused on finding “precursor chemical” shipments arriving in Mail, Express Consignment, and Air Cargo environments after a “significant increase” in precursor chemical seizures over the last six months. Precursor chemicals are compounds used to create other substances, often drugs or supplements.

During the operation, CBP officers seized 67 shipments of Human Growth Hormones and Steroids, 3 shipments of precursor chemicals, and 1 shipment of 4-Butanediol. Most of the shipments originated in Hong Kong, and were destined for cities across the U.S.

Most of the shipments were being sent under a “master carton smuggling scheme” in which a master shipment contains smaller pre-addressed unmanifested or mis-manifested parcels set to be sent through domestic mail.

“The work of our officers has been incredible and their dedication to CBP’s enforcement mission is evident when you look at these seizures,” LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director, Field Operations, Chicago Field Office, said in a statement. “Bad shippers are persistent in their attempts to smuggle dangerous goods into the United States, however, through our hard work and vigilance we will continue to intercept these illicit substances at our port of entry before they can harm our communities.”