CINCINNATI—Forty-seven shipments of cocaine base have been seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Cincinnati over the past two months. The total amount of cocaine in all 47 shipments is 231 pounds.
Originating from Peru and Colombia, the shipments were headed to individuals across the U.S., Canada, and the Netherlands. Some shipments contained other scheduled substances such as powdered mescaline and other psychoactives. The cargo descriptions stated the shipments contained nutritional supplements but tests showed the green, powdery substance contained cocaine base.
Cocaine base is any form of cocaine produced without using an acid, which means it can be smoked for a near-instant high, like crack cocaine. Cocaine base is extremely dangerous and abuse can lead to paranoia, exhaustion, heart conditions, convulsions, stroke, and death. It is classified as a Schedule II stimulant under the Controlled Substances Act.
“Our officers’ training and dedication to our homeland led to the discovery of these shipments,” said Cincinnati Port Director Richard Gillespie. “Their skill and determination saved lives by taking hundreds of pounds of this dangerous drug off the streets.”
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.