Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino has used her social media platform to highlight recent enforcement activities by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), focusing on trade compliance and the interception of illegal goods.
On December 10, 2025, Sabatino addressed the issue of tariff evasion through deceptive shipping practices, stating, "Illegal transshipment occurs when goods are routed through a third country to hide their true origin in order to evade tariffs. CBP detects and stops this practice to protect U.S. industries and ensure fair trade. #OFOproud #TradeEnforcement #CBP https://t.co/Skl2hQu6ZJ".
Later that day, she emphasized the broader scope of CBP's enforcement operations: "CBP enforcement operations @CBP stop threats before they reach our streets; narcotics, weapons, fake documents, human smuggling attempts & more. Every seizure is a life protected. Every interdiction is a threat removed.
#OFOProudus https://t.co/ggh0zfBNGu" (December 10, 2025).
The following morning, Sabatino highlighted a specific case involving drug interdiction in Philadelphia: "CBP Officers in Philadelphia discovered 1/2 pound of ketamine & LSD concealed in international mail. CBP fights to protect communities from dangerous substances. In just a few weeks this summer, they intercepted 129+ POUNDS of ketamine! https://t.co/L3jDg5fO3t #OFOProud https://t.co/0R4i874PM0" (December 11, 2025).
Transshipment schemes are frequently used as part of efforts to circumvent import duties and tariffs by disguising the true origin of goods through third countries—a persistent challenge for customs authorities globally.
CBP’s responsibilities include enforcing laws related not only to customs but also border security and public safety at ports of entry across the United States. The agency regularly reports seizures involving narcotics and other contraband as part of its mandate to safeguard American communities from illicit trade and trafficking.
