CINCINNATI, Ohio— U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers conducting operations at the DHL express consignment facility discovered more $20,000 of marijuana concealed in a religious decorative statue Nov. 14.
CBP officers conducting operations at the DHL express consignment facility discovered more $20,000 of marijuana concealed in a religious decorative statue Nov. 14.
“This unique seizure demonstrates the extraordinary methods individuals will utilize in their attempt to smuggle narcotics,” said Cincinnati Port Director Richard L. Gillespie. “This seizure further illustrates the vigilance of CBP officers in interdicting contraband entering the country.”
During the early morning inspection of incoming shipments, CBP Canine “Freddy” alerted to the odor of narcotics emanating from a package manifested as a “religious figure.” The package originated from Mexico and was destined for delivery to San Juan, Puerto Rico.
An x-ray scan of the package indicated anomalies within the plaster figurine. CBP officers drilled into the statue revealing a green leafy substance. Test results confirmed the presence of marijuana.
In total, CBP officers seized more than 26 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of more $20,000.