U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Philadelphia have intercepted nearly 300 pounds of dried opium poppy pods from Spain, with an estimated street value of $30,000. The seizures occurred between May 1 and today.
Opium poppies, including their pods, are controlled under Schedule II of the federal Controlled Substances Act due to the presence of naturally occurring opiates like morphine and codeine. The Drug Enforcement Administration highlights that opium is a highly addictive narcotic that can lead to severe dependence and overdose.
Consumers sometimes illegally import these poppy pods to brew into tea for its narcotic effects. Poppy tea may contain high levels of morphine, which has led to fatalities among some users as noted by the Department of Justice.
Legal consequences are severe for those importing or selling dried poppy plant parts illegally. Past cases include sentences ranging from three years to over two years for individuals involved in such activities.
Licensed entities can lawfully import opium poppies only from regulated countries for medical purposes, such as extracting opioid alkaloids for pharmaceuticals.
Cleatus P. Hunt, Jr., Area Port Director for CBP’s Area Port of Philadelphia stated: “The United States continues to struggle through an illegal opium abuse epidemic that has hurt many families in our communities, and intercepting these poppy pods is one way in which Customs and Border Protection can help combat this very serious opioid public health threat.”
The seized shipments were labeled as “Decora Craft Balls Ornamental” and destined for various U.S. states including Arkansas, California, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington among others.
This marks CBP's second significant seizure at the Baltimore Field Office this year following a similar interception at Washington Dulles International Airport in February involving 250 pounds of poppy pods also shipped from Spain.
CBP officers regularly inspect international cargo and parcels to ensure compliance with U.S. laws. In fiscal year 2023 alone, CBP seized 1,571 pounds of illicit narcotics daily across national borders.
CBP’s mission involves screening international travelers and cargo while searching for illicit products that could harm public safety or economic stability.
For more information about CBP operations or updates follow their social media accounts on Twitter @DFOBaltimore or Instagram @cbpfieldops.
