MIAMI—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers assigned to the Miami International Mail Facility intercepted 24 pounds of Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) — a schedule I controlled substance.
During an X-ray inspection on Feb. 18, CBP officers noticed anomalies with a package arriving from Spain. CBP officers continued examining the package and found 10 sealed plastic bags containing a reddish powder-like substance. Testing identified the substance as DMT and CBP seized the items.
"CBP officers work tirelessly to intercept dangerous and illicit drugs before it reaches local communities," said Robert Del Toro, CBP’s Acting Port Director at Miami International Airport. "CBP officers use expert knowledge and experience every day to find harmful and illicit products."
According to the DEA, DMT is used for its psychoactive effects. The intense effects and short duration of action are attractive to individuals who want the psychedelic experience but do not choose to experience the mind altering perceptions over an extended period of time as occurs with other hallucinogens, like LSD. The history of human experience with DMT probably goes back several hundred years since DMT usage is associated with a number of religious practices and rituals.
As a naturally occurring substance in many species of plants, DMT is present in a number of South American snuffs and brewed concoctions. In addition, DMT can be produced synthetically. Like other hallucinogens, Internet sales and distribution have served as the source of drug supply in this country. According to the National Forensic Laboratory Information. DMT is generally smoked or consumed orally in brews.
CBP's border security mission is led at ports of entry by CBP officers from the Office of Field Operations. 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.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations in Florida include travel and trade facilitation and securing over 1,200 miles of the coastal border. Add @CBPPortDirMia, @DFOFlorida and @CBPFlorida on Twitter for news and information updates.