Illegally exported medication valued over $78,000
HOUSTON -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Houston Seaport seized prescription medication worth over $78,000 bound for Nigeria, Oct. 13.
because they were to be shipped without
an export license as required by U.S. law.
CBP officers discovered the prescription medication concealed among common household goods.
A total of 229, 992 tablets and pills including boxes of Amoxicillin, Lisinopril, Metformin, Amlodipine Besylate, Hydralazine and other controlled prescription drugs were all left off of the manifest; further complicating the matter was that the exporter did not have the required license to export these controlled items.
“We will take every opportunity to disrupt the illegal trafficking in prescription drugs,” said Houston CBP Port Director Roderick W. Hudson. “This is not a victimless crime because those profiting from the illegal exportation of prescription drugs are not only threatening the U.S. economy but are placing unwitting consumers abroad at risk as well.”
Medications for personal use are allowed to be exported, but there are limitations. Information is available and the permit for exporting controlled substance is available at Drug Enforcement Administration where an online application can be completed.
Medications can also be legally exported for humanitarian assistance, but require the exporter be registered with DEA.
In addition to the seizure of the prescription drugs, CBP initiated a penalty against the exporter for not making a proper declaration.