Illicit commercial cargo manifested as ‘aluminum caps’
DETROIT — Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Field Operations seized more than a ton of marijuana at the Fort Street Cargo Facility on Wednesday, July 21, for the second time in a month.
The inbound tractor trailer was referred to the secondary inspection area for a more in-depth examination of the cargo, which was manifested as aluminum caps. An x-ray scan yielded results inconsistent with the purported goods, and a subsequent physical inspection conducted by officers revealed 2,583 pounds of marijuana packed among several pallets.
The illicit cargo was subsequently seized along with the tractor and trailer.
“While CBP Field Operations continues to facilitate lawful trade and travel, drug interdiction remains an enforcement priority.” said Port Director Devin Chamberlain. “The men and women of CBP continue to work to keep dangerous and unregulated substances from hitting the streets of the U.S.”
The Detroit Field Office, which covers all ports of entry throughout Michigan, has experienced a surge in contraband since essential travel restrictions were enacted in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Follow us on Twitter @DFODetroit and @CBPGreatLakes