U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has recently released its operational data for the fiscal year 2023, showcasing significant progress in disrupting illicit narcotics supply chains and eliminating goods made with forced labor.
According to the CBP's monthly operational statistics for September 2023, there has been a notable increase in the seizure of narcotics. One key highlight is the confiscation of over 27,000 pounds of fentanyl, marking an over 800% increase compared to the numbers from fiscal year 2019. This increase can be attributed to the launch of Operations Artemis and Rolling Wave in June 2023, which aimed to disrupt the supply chains of fentanyl, a dangerous opioid responsible for numerous overdose deaths.
In addition to the narcotics seizures, CBP also processed more than 2.7 million entry summaries in September 2023, with a total estimated value exceeding $271 billion. This demonstrates the agency's commitment to enforcing U.S. trade laws and ensuring that imports entering the country are lawful and ethical. Importantly, CBP continued its efforts to prohibit goods made with forced labor originating from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, aligning with its mandate to combat human rights violations.
CBP's role extends beyond narcotics and trade regulation. The agency is also focused on biosecurity measures to protect U.S. agriculture from potential threats posed by certain imports. In September 2023 alone, CBP issued 6,034 emergency action notifications for restricted and prohibited plant and animal products. Additionally, 94,464 positive passenger inspections were conducted to screen for agricultural items. These figures highlight the breadth of CBP's responsibilities beyond immigration and narcotics control.
The release of the operational data by CBP emphasizes the agency's commitment to transparency in reporting its activities. It is integral to understanding the scope of CBP's operations, which encompass law enforcement, trade regulation, human rights compliance, and biosecurity. CBP's multi-faceted role aims to address a wide array of challenges, including drug trafficking, human rights violations, and environmental risks. By sharing this data, the agency aims to keep the public informed about its efforts to disrupt illicit activities and uphold the safety and security of the United States.
