CINCINNATI—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Cincinnati seized a shipment containing more than five pounds of marijuana at a local express consignment facility on May 28.
After narcotic detector dog “Kajo” alerted to a large wooden crate manifested as “mobility folding scooter,” officers disassembled the shipment to discover multiple packages concealed inside hollow boards. The packages contained compressed bricks of marijuana vacuum-sealed inside layers of heavy black plastic and dryer sheets. The crate, which also contained a mobility scooter, originated in Canada and was destined to a private residence in Barbados.
“Smugglers often try to get narcotics by our detector dogs by covering them with heavily scented products such as dryer sheets or motor oil,” said Cincinnati Port Director Richard Gillespie. “Our canines and their handlers are trained to recognize and work around those common attempts at deception.”
“The CBP Canine Program produces some of the best detection canines, certified canine instructors, and canine handlers in the world,” said Acting Area Port Director Eugene J. Matho. “New canine teams are trained in disciplines such as concealed human detection, pedestrian processing, and detecting the odors of narcotics, currency, and firearms.”
CBP conducts operations at ports of entry throughout the United States, and regularly screens arriving international passengers and cargo for narcotics, weapons, and other restricted or prohibited products. CBP strives to serve as the premier law enforcement agency enhancing the Nation’s safety, security, and prosperity through collaboration, innovation, and integration.