U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Chicago have recently intercepted numerous shipments containing pill press die sets, tools often used by drug dealers to manufacture illicit substances such as fentanyl.
According to a CBP news release, these devices arrived in five separate shipments from China. They can also be employed in the production of methamphetamine, heroin or other synthetic opioids. The CBP officers seized the shipments due to the unlawful importation of drug paraphernalia. The intended destinations for these packages were Hartsville, S.C.; Traverse City, Mich.; Thompsonville, Ill.; Spencerville, Ohio and Kannapolis, N.C.
"Our ability to collect intelligence and the experience and knowledge of our officers were key in stopping these shipments," said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director of field operations at the CBP Chicago Field Office. "CBP officers throughout the nation remain committed to stopping these dangerous shipments, interrupting supply chains, and helping protect our communities from these potentially deadly narcotics."
The Department of Homeland Security and CBP are spearheading interagency efforts against illicit synthetic drugs through initiatives like the CBP Strategy to Combat Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Drugs. According to the news release, this strategy supports resources, augments partnerships, capitalizes on CBP’s successful enforcement acumen and data-driven processes. The agency uses its extensive knowledge and data information to thwart efforts by international cartels who are leading the manufacturing, trafficking and distribution of fentanyl, its chemicals and other synthetic drugs in America.
The news release further stated that combating the smuggling of illicit fentanyl and other dangerous drugs remains a primary objective for CBP. Among the measures utilized by the agency are leveraging intelligence information to disrupt cartel supply chains and ban devices needed by drug traffickers to manufacture fentanyl. This includes precursor compounds, pill presses and parts involved in trafficking finished merchandise as well as illicit profits. The CBP seized more than 27,000 pounds of fentanyl in fiscal year 2023, a significant increase from over 14,600 pounds in fiscal year 2022.
