U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry seized freon and 12,000 counterfeit vehicle registration stickers in a recent enforcement action. The seizure took place during the busy summer travel season.
Port Director Tater Ortiz commented on the operation: “Our frontline CBP officers maintained their vigilance amid heavy summer travel season traffic and intercepted a unique combination of freon and counterfeit vehicle registration stickers.” He emphasized that CBP officers enforce various laws to protect the environment and collaborate with state and local law enforcement regarding items like counterfeit vehicle registration stickers.
The incident occurred on July 14 when CBP officers at the Veterans International Bridge referred a 2006 Jeep Cherokee for further inspection. Officers discovered boxes containing allegedly counterfeit Texas vehicle registration stickers and cannisters of freon inside the vehicle.
Environmental Protection Agency regulations prohibit importing bulk regulated hydrofluorocarbons without specific allowances issued by the EPA since January 1, 2022. Hydrofluorocarbons are potent greenhouse gases used as refrigerants, with significant global warming potential. Importers who do not comply with these regulations may face fines, and vehicles used in such violations can be seized.
The seized items were handed over to the Brownsville Police Department, which arrested the driver and began a criminal investigation.
For updates from U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Laredo Field Office, follow @DFOLaredo on X or Instagram at @dfolaredo. Also follow @CBPSouthTexas for news, events, stories, and photos.
CBP is America's largest law enforcement organization dedicated to protecting national security through border management while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
