CBP Seizes Nearly 300 Pounds Of Opium Poppy Seeds Shipped From Spain

U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently seized nearly 300 pounds of dried opium poppy pods from 123 separate shipments to the U.S. from Spain this month.

CBP officers in Philadelphia seized 63 shipments on May 1, 20 shipments on May 7, 12 shipments on May 13, eight shipments on May 14, and 14 shipments on May 19. In total, the 123 shipments of opium poppy seeds weighed a combined 295 pounds and 10 ounces, and are valued at approximately $30,000.

All of the packages, falsely manifested as “Decora Craft Balls Ornamental,” were shipped from Spain and destined for addresses in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Morphine and codeine are opiates derived from opium poppies. The entire poppy plant, including pods, straw, and straw concentrate in either liquid, solid, or powder form are Schedule II controlled substances under federal law.

Officials say the opium poppy pods are often illegally imported by consumers intending to grind them for use in poppy tea, which may contain high levels of naturally occurring morphine. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, some consumers have died from drinking poppy tea.

Only licensed entities such as pharmaceutical companies can legally import opium poppies from legitimate sources in regulated countries.

The poppy shipments were seized for destruction, CBP said.

“The United States continues to struggle through an illegal opium abuse epidemic that has hurt many families in our communities, and intercepting these poppy pods is one way in which Customs and Border Protection can help combat this very serious opioid public health threat,” said Cleatus P. Hunt, Jr., Area Port Director for CBPs Area Port of Philadelphia. “CBP officers remain committed to keeping our communities safe by intercepting dangerous drugs and other illicit products at our nations borders before they can hurt our communities.”