U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Baltimore seized over 200 pounds of marijuana on April 29, which was being shipped to Belgium. The marijuana was found concealed inside 155 vacuum-sealed packages described as "brace overalls for men / heavy duty workwear bib." This shipment weighed a total of 91.3 kilograms, or 201 pounds and five ounces, with an estimated street value of $875,000 in the United States.
Jason Kropiewnicki, CBP’s Acting Area Port Director for the Area Port of Baltimore, commented on the seizure: “Smugglers, including transnational criminal organizations, based in oversaturated marijuana markets attempt to generate revenue by illegally exporting bulk shipments to markets across the globe.” He emphasized that CBP officers are dedicated to enforcing laws and disrupting smuggling efforts to prevent criminals from profiting illicitly.
The discovery is part of a broader trend observed by CBP officers where transnational criminal organizations try to export U.S.-based marijuana to Europe and Africa due to high profits from high-quality weed in those regions. Despite some states decriminalizing marijuana for medical or recreational use, federal law still prohibits transporting it across state lines or exporting it from the United States.
Special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Border Enforcement Security Task Force are currently investigating the case. HSI works alongside CBP within the Department of Homeland Security.
In 2024 alone, CBP officers and agents seized an average of 1,571 pounds of drugs daily at various ports of entry. The agency's mission involves screening international travelers and cargo while searching for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit goods, prohibited agriculture products, invasive species, and other items that could threaten public safety or economic stability.
CBP remains committed to protecting America through innovation and collaboration while ensuring lawful travel and trade continue safely.
