U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Chicago seized 351 shipments of unapproved human growth hormones and steroids during March, according to an April 3 announcement. The confiscated items weighed a total of 455 pounds and were valued at over $3.2 million.
The seizures are significant because these substances, which originated mostly from China, were intended for distribution across various U.S. cities through air cargo shipments. The packages were concealed within large shipping boxes containing many smaller, unlabeled parcels that had been prelabeled for domestic delivery.
Michael Pfeiffer, CBP’s senior officer at the Chicago Field Office, said: “Customs and Border Protection officers examine arriving parcels and will continue to seize any illicit product violating our nation’s import laws. Consumers who purchase these products should stop this activity as it is dangerous. The ingredients are unverified and may not have the appropriate regulatory certification required for sale in the U.S. Do you want to put your health or your child’s health in jeopardy because you think you found a good deal?”
Human growth hormone (HGH) has approved medical uses but must be prescribed by a healthcare professional due to risks such as mood swings, organ enlargement, joint pain, high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, and increased cancer risk if abused. Anabolic steroids—synthetic variants of natural hormones—are classified as Schedule III substances under the Controlled Substances Act due to their potential for abuse leading to mood swings, cardiovascular disease risk, psychological dependence or addiction.
CBP officers routinely screen international travelers and cargo for illicit narcotics, counterfeit goods, prohibited agriculture products and other items that could threaten public safety or economic security at all 328 ports of entry nationwide.
CBP describes itself as America’s frontline law enforcement organization with more than 67,000 personnel working across land borders, airspace and maritime environments.
