U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport have intercepted a significant shipment of contraband cigarettes. The seizure involved 749 cartons concealed in ten pieces of luggage, discovered on April 17 from two female passengers disembarking a cruise ship arriving from Ensenada, Mexico.
Upon inspection at the Long Beach Cruise Ship Terminal, the travelers presented purchase receipts but failed to provide the necessary permits for importing such quantities of tobacco products. According to CBP regulations, large quantities are classified as "commercial" rather than personal use, necessitating an importer permit from the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Additionally, tobacco labels must comply with FDA standards.
Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles, stated: “The importation of tobacco products is highly regulated from both tax and consumer safety perspectives.” She warned that those who ignore U.S. importation laws face significant consequences.
The examination revealed various brands among the seized items: 326 cartons of Newport 100’s, 58 cartons of Newport regulars, 112 cartons of Marlboro Red, 43 cartons of Marlboro Silver, and 210 cartons of Marlboro Gold cigarettes. The estimated value in California is approximately $59,920 based on a low-end estimate of $80 per carton.
Africa R. Bell, CBP Port Director at Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport, highlighted the potential profit for underground vendors due to lower overseas costs and tax evasion upon import: “This type of scheme not only evades revenue owed to the United States but may be harmful to the American consumer.”
All seized cartons will be destroyed under CBP supervision.
CBP stands as America's frontline defense—comprising over 65,000 personnel dedicated to safeguarding national security through lawful travel facilitation and trade management.
