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Smuggling

Dulles CBP Intercepts 53-Pound Marijuana Load Destined to Paris, MWAA Police Arrest Maryland Woman

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STERLING, Va. – A Maryland woman was arrested on felony narcotics charges at Washington Dulles International Airport on Tuesday after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered more than 53 pounds of marijuana in her checked baggage. Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority Police officers charged Sydney Lewis, 33, of Bryans City, Maryland, with felony possession with intent to distribute, transportation, and narcotics conspiracy charges. While inspecting bags being loaded onto a Paris, France-bound flight, CBP officers discovered vacuum-sealed bags full of suspected marijuana in

Baltimore CBP Intercepts 32-Pound Marijuana Load Destined to London, Passenger Released

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BALTIMORE – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized a 32-pound marijuana load that one passenger attempted to smuggle to London from Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on February 25. The passenger, a 22-year-old California woman, has not been charged, however the criminal investigation is ongoing. CBP officers discovered the marijuana in a suitcase being loaded onto the Reykjavik, Iceland-bound flight. The traveler had follow-on travel to London. CBP officers identified the traveler by the baggage tag and found the traveler at the departure gate. Officers

CBP Officers Discover Stolen Vehicle Valued at Approximately $100K

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CHAMPLAIN, N.Y . – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Champlain Port of Entry seized a stolen vehicle valued at approximately $100,000. On March 9, CBP officers encountered a 2020 Land Rover Range Rover passenger vehicle attempting entry into the United States. A 36-year-old U.S. citizen indicated that he was attempting to go to Canada and was refused entry by the Canada Border Services Agency due to the lack of appropriate documentation. CBP officers then sent the driver and vehicle to the secondary inspection area to further examine the vehicle’s documentation. During

Shipment Manifested as Whey Protein Results in Seizure of $15K Worth Cocaine and Additional Narcotics

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CHAMPLAIN, N.Y . – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Champlain cargo facility discovered multiple narcotics to include cocaine hidden in a shipment. On March 5, CBP officers working in the cargo facility encountered a shipment manifested as “whey protein supplement”. An X-ray exam of the shipment revealed anomalies inside the whey protein container. CBP officers then conducted a thorough examination of the container and discovered three vacuum sealed packages secreted inside. The packages were then field tested by CBP officers, and the narcotics tested positive

Dulles CBP Intercepts 88-Pound Hash Load Destined to Brazil, VA State Police Arrest California Resident

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STERLING, Va. – A male California resident is facing felony narcotics possession charges after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered nearly 88 pounds of Hashish in his checked baggage on Monday at Washington Dulles International Airport. Virginia State Police troopers charged Johnathan Edward Perez, 27, with felony possession with intent to distribute, transportation, and narcotics conspiracy charges. CBP has observed an increasing trend of United States-based growers and retailers shipping marijuana to Europe and Africa where high-quality weed can fetch prices many times

Dulles CBP Intercepts 73-Pound Marijuana Load Destined to Paris, VA State Police Arrest two Nevada Men

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STERLING, Va. – Two Las Vegas men are facing felony narcotics possession charges after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered nearly 73 pounds of marijuana in their checked baggage on Thursday at Washington Dulles International Airport. Virginia State Police troopers charged Kaliq Talib McCallister, 33, and Christian Tyler Knight, 28, with felony possession with intent to distribute, transportation, and narcotics conspiracy charges. CBP has observed an increasing trend of United States-based growers and retailers shipping marijuana to Europe and Africa where high-quality weed

U.S. Border Patrol agents seize 395 pounds of cocaine concealed inside a vessel entering Rincon, Puerto Rico

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AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico — Ramey Station Border Patrol agents Tuesday arrested a U.S. citizen and seized 395 pounds (179.22 kilograms) of cocaine concealed inside a vessel located in the coastal town of Rincon. The estimated value of the seized narcotics is approximately $4.4 million. "The vigilant and dedicated efforts of our Border Patrol Agents resulted in the successful interception and their unwavering commitment to securing our borders and protecting our communities continues to be a formidable force against illicit activities,” said Desi D. DeLeon, Chief Patrol Agent for Ramey Sector.

AMO Intercepts Vessel Near Mona Island Seizing 384 Pounds of Cocaine and Arresting 3 Smugglers

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AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico —Marine Agents of US Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO), arrested Wednesday three non-citizens transporting inside a “yola” vessel 384 pounds (174.4 kilograms) of cocaine near Mona Island. The estimated value of the seized narcotics is approximately $ 4.3 million. "This successful interdiction near Mona Island is a testament to the dedication of our Air and Marine agents,” stated Creighton Skeen, Acting Director of Air and Marine Operations in the Caribbean. “Our collective efforts have dealt a significant blow to criminal enterprises seeking

CBP K9 Sniffs Out the Illegal Import of Mummified Monkey Remains

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BOSTON – On January 8, 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted an individual attempting to illegally import four deceased and dehydrated monkeys into the United States via Logan Airport. The individual was returning to the U.S. after a visit from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Upon arrival of foreign flights to Logan Airport, CBP Canine (K9) units will perform a preliminary screening of baggage. During the screening of Delta flight 225 from Paris, CBP K9, Buddey alerted his handler to a specific piece of luggage. When questioned about the bag, the passenger declared that

Migrant Smuggling Event Results in a Capsized Vessel and the Death of 2 Migrants in Northern Puerto Rico

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AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico –U.S. Border Patrol and Air & Marine Operations, Marine Interdiction agents, along with other Federal and Local law enforcement, responded Wednesday to a maritime smuggling event where a 32-foot makeshift “yola” vessel capsized near the shore in the northern coast of the island. Two migrants died in the incident. “One day after making a public statement about the complete disregard from smugglers for the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable migrants venturing on the Mona Passage, it is unfortunate that this incident had such a sad result,” stated Desi DeLeon, Chief Patrol