U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Express Consignment Facility intercepted 42 pallets containing a total of 1,134 fraudulent gas engines on January 23. The shipment, originating from China, had an appraised value of $1.34 million.
The engines were distributed across pallets with each holding 27 units destined for various businesses throughout the United States. Due to improper documentation, the engines were seized and handed over to Homeland Security Investigations for further examination.
LaFonda D. Sutton Burke, Director of Field Operations at the Chicago Field Office, praised the CBP officers' efforts: “I’m extremely proud of the diligent and professional work of CBP officers and import specialists who applied their keen knowledge and expertise to effectively target, identify and hold these suspicious shipments.” She added that while this was an unusual seizure, it was critically important as it demonstrated how training and skill enable CBP to defend against faulty goods that could endanger lives.
CBP's mission involves border security at ports of entry by screening international travelers and cargo to prevent illicit activities such as narcotics trafficking and counterfeit goods distribution that could harm public safety or economic vitality.
CBP remains committed to protecting America through its extensive workforce of over 65,000 personnel who operate on land, in airspace, and maritime environments. The agency emphasizes innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust in enhancing national security while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
