U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Laboratories and Scientific Services (LSS) have inaugurated a Forward Operating Laboratory (FOL) in Cincinnati on November 12. This facility aims to provide timely scientific support to CBP's mission by being strategically located at key ports of entry. The FOL operates with an emphasis on integration and coordination alongside law enforcement personnel.

The new laboratory allows CBP to expedite enforcement actions, leveraging the agency's expertise to address both current and emerging threats. Previously, identifying complex or newly emerging substances required sending samples to a lab in Chicago, which could take weeks. According to Cincinnati’s Port Director, Eric Zizelman, “The shipper would know that due to the length of time their shipment was missing, it had probably been seized,” potentially allowing them to alter smuggling tactics. Now, identification can occur within seconds without leaving the building.

This integration provides benefits such as corroborating collected intelligence, immediate identification of suspected controlled substances, and quick discovery of identities involved in shipments. The collaboration is expected to lead to faster prosecutions, closure of intelligence gaps, seizures of illicit substances, and arrests. Assistant Commissioner Dave Fluty emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Synthetic drugs, like fentanyl, are a dangerous and deadly threat facing the United States – Forward Operating Laboratories staffed by highly trained CBP chemists help protect our communities.”

LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations for the Chicago Field Office stated that partnerships like these are crucial for CBP's efforts in interdicting contraband safely and efficiently: “Our dedicated workforce’s highest priority is to protect the American people against foreign and domestic threats and place America’s safety first.”

The laboratory must continuously adapt by developing or deploying new capabilities and resources in response to evolving front-line needs. Strategic alignment enables resource redirection towards critical operational requirements within a dynamic law enforcement environment.

CBP continues its mission as America's frontline defense with over 65,000 personnel working across various domains including ground, air, and sea operations.