U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) recently discovered 17.41 pounds of liquid methamphetamine in bottles labeled as dog shampoo. The seizure occurred on April 1 during a routine enforcement exam on a shipment destined for Australia. The shipment was declared as “Assorted Dog Shampoos,” but upon inspection, it contained 12 bottles with a crystalized white substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. This interception is estimated to have a street value of $1.8 million in Australia.
Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles, noted, “This interception highlights CBP’s critical outbound mission in detecting, intercepting and seizing potent narcotics heading out of the United States, to countries where illegally imported drugs are sold at a premium.” Methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is known for its high addiction potential.
The National Institute of Drug Abuse indicates that methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant, and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that approximately 7.5% of Australia's population, around 1.6 million people, have used methamphetamine.
Reflecting on the seizure, Andrew H. Douglas, CBP LAX Area Port Director, commented, “This significant seizure illustrates our officers’ vigilance, keen focus and commitment in disrupting transnational drug trafficking. I’m very proud of their actions.”
In fiscal year 2024, CBP seized over 174,000 pounds of methamphetamine nationwide, with over 64,000 pounds intercepted in the ongoing fiscal year 2025. CBP functions as the largest law enforcement organization in the U.S., committed to protecting the nation through various security measures and ensuring lawful trade and travel.
