CBP Seizes Belgium-Bound Shipment Of Over 200 Pounds Of Marijuana Labeled As Workwear

CBP officers in Baltimore on April 29 seized more than 201 pounds of marijuana from an air cargo shipment bound for Belgium. The marijuana was concealed inside 155 vacuum-sealed packages manifested as “brace overalls for men / heavy duty workwear bib.”

The marijuana would have an estimated street value of around $875,000 in the U.S., but could fetch two to three times more in Europe. CBP said officers have seen an uptick in outbound shipments of marijuana destined for locations across Europe and Africa, where prices are far higher for the more potent strains produced in the U.S.

While marijuana is legal or decriminalized for medical and/or recreational use in a number of U.S. states, federal law continues to prohibit transporting marijuana across state lines or exporting it from the United States.

“Smugglers, including transnational criminal organizations, based in oversaturated marijuana markets attempt to generate revenue by illegally exporting bulk shipments to markets across the globe,” Jason Kropiewnicki, CBPs Acting Area Port Director for the Area Port of Baltimore, said in a statement. “Customs and Border Protection officers are committed to enforcing our nations laws and interrupting these smuggling attempts to deprive criminals of their illicit profits.”

CBP said Homeland Security Investigations Border Enforcement Security Task Force special agents have launched an investigation into the latest seizure.