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  4. CBP’s Big Bong Bust at the Port of Alexandria Bay

CBP’s Big Bong Bust at the Port of Alexandria Bay

Release Date
Fri, 10/16/2020

ALEXANDRIA BAY, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Alexandria Bay Port of Entry seized more than 2,400 glass smoking pipes as drug paraphernalia, worth over $150,000.

On October 4, CBP officers encountered a commercial truck that contained shipments manifested as “smoking glass ball water pipe”. The truck was sent for a non-intrusive inspection and then to the warehouse for a physical exam.

Drug paraphernalia glass smoking pipes seized at Alexandria Bay, N.Y. Port of Entry.
Drug paraphernalia glass smoking
pipes seized at Alexandria Bay, N.Y.
Port of Entry.

During the secondary inspection, CBP officers discovered 8 pallets of glass smoking pipes and an unlawful importation of drug paraphernalia. Further investigation revealed that the shipment’s country of origin contained marking errors and inaccuracies. A CBP Import Specialist further inspected the shipment, reviewed the manifest and determined that all 2,412 glass pipes were drug paraphernalia.

“Keen awareness by our CBP officers led to the discovery of this contraband,” said Assistant Port Director Trade, Wendy Ruttan. “These officers take pride in continuing to prevent drug related items from entering our community.”

The entire shipment of drug paraphernalia had an approximate value of more than $156,000 and was seized on October 14, for importation violations.

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Mar 21, 2022