Sanjeev “Sonny” Bhagowalia Assistant Commissioner | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Philadelphia have intercepted a significant shipment of marijuana destined for the United Kingdom. The operation took place at a warehouse in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, where CBP officers seized 170 pounds of marijuana from 35 parcels on Monday.
The parcels originated from various addresses in California and were intended for multiple locations across the UK. According to CBP officials, such a large seizure of export marijuana parcels is uncommon in Philadelphia.
The confiscated marijuana has an estimated street value of $800,000 in Philadelphia. "Though medical and recreational use of marijuana is being decriminalized in some U.S. states, marijuana possession and bulk smuggling remain illegal under federal law," stated Cleatus Hunt, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Philadelphia. He added that this amount is unprecedented but assured that these parcels will not reach consumers in London.
Despite the legalization trends within some U.S. states, federal law continues to prohibit the transportation or exportation of marijuana across state lines or out of the country. Nevertheless, CBP notes an ongoing trend where growers and criminal organizations ship high-quality cannabis to Europe and Africa due to higher market prices abroad.
In recent weeks, CBP officers also encountered another case involving 114 pounds of marijuana concealed inside luggage by two women attempting to fly to London.
Last year, CBP officers seized an average of 2,339 pounds of dangerous drugs daily at various ports across the nation. The agency's mission includes screening international travelers and cargo for illicit narcotics among other prohibited items.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection remains vigilant as America's largest law enforcement organization focused on maintaining national security through border management.
