U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team at O’Hare International Airport seized a shipment containing 10,412 tablets and 2,144 vials of unapproved medications, human growth hormones, and steroids on July 28. The shipment originated from China and was destined for Syracuse, New York.
Officials said the intercepted package is an example of a master carton smuggling scheme. In this method, a single large shipment contains many smaller individual shipments that are not listed on the manifest. These smaller packages were already labeled for shipping and would have been sent to recipients through domestic parcel carriers.
“The illegal importation of unsafe or unregulated prescription drugs like these are known to pose a significant risk to patients and consumers,” said Michael Pfeiffer, Acting Director of Field Operations for the Chicago Field Office. “CBP is responsible for ensuring that all goods entering and exiting the United States do so in accordance with all applicable U.S. laws and regulations. Our CBP officers and agriculture specialists in Chicago consistently showcase their quality training and commitment to the CBP mission. They are exceptional at what they do and are part of the best frontline defense in the world.”
The seized items included various unapproved medications intended to treat serious medical conditions such as cancer, thyroid disorders, and respiratory illnesses. Additional products confiscated were human growth hormone vials, weight loss medications, erectile dysfunction treatments, and steroids. The entire shipment was turned over to Homeland Security Investigation within the Department of Homeland Security.
CBP officers at ports of entry screen international travelers and cargo for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agricultural items including invasive weeds or pests, as well as other products that could threaten public safety or economic vitality in the United States.