CBP Harvesting of Illegal Marijuana at MIA a Success

MIAMI – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers continue to seize bulk shipments of marijuana being exported from the United States through Miami International Airport. During the month of April, CBP officers intercepted more than 70 pounds of marijuana in four different outbound shipments of cargo. The shipments of contraband originated from the southeastern region of the U.S. and were destined to Antigua, Dominica and St. Maarten.

The combined marijuana seized has a street value of about $60,000.00.  On April 5, CBP officers seized cardboard boxes containing 13 packages of marijuana weighing 14.5 pounds (6.59 kilograms) destined for St. Maarten. On April 6, CBP officers seized 22 blocks marijuana weighing 43.5 pounds (19.7 kilograms). The blocks of marijuana were concealed within the frame and body of the washer in which CBP officers had to dismantle. This shipment was destined for Dominica. On April 20, CBP officers seized 12.5 pounds (5.65 Kilograms) of marijuana that was destined to Antigua. On April 20, CBP officers seized a second shipment of marijuana weighing one pound (.425 kilograms) destined to St. Maarten. 

 “The cargo environment in Miami is the gateway to the Caribbean and South America, criminal enterprises use this transportation venue to traffic weapons and ammunition, bulk currency and narcotics,” said Christopher Maston, CBP Port Director at Miami International Airport.  “Physical sweeps of outbound cargo continue to result in significant discoveries and these seizures negatively disrupt dangerous criminal networks.”

CBP officers screen international travelers and cargo and search for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agriculture, and other illicit products that could potentially harm the American public, U.S. businesses, and our nation’s safety and economic vitality. CBP seized an average of 3,707 pounds of illicit narcotics every day during 2019 across the United States.