A May 12 Port of Memphis ketamine seizure has lead to an ongoing investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN). U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers selected for investigation a shipment from France to Oklahoma manifested as “vetements” (French for “clothes”) and inside were a jumble of boxes with only one t-shirt. Hidden in the boxes was 6.3 kilograms of a white substance which tested positive for ketamine. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Ketamine is typically a “club drug” abused by younger individuals and produces hallucinations. It distorts perceptions of sight and sound and makes the user feel disconnected and not in control.
The shipment was held intact by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) who then coordinated with OBN to get a search warrant and deliver the package, as intended.
On May 18 OBN served the Search Warrant at the Edmond, OK address of the shipment’s consignee and seized the ketamine, along with finding evidence of prostitution.
“Drug smuggling is not just the large quantity loads on the Southwest border that make the headlines, said Memphis Area Port Director Michael Neipert. “Smaller amounts that we seize, with the help of our partners at HSI along with state and local agencies, can lead to the discovery of unspeakable criminal activity operating deep in the heartland.”
Following the Search Warrant, OBN Agents arrested 22-year old Liu Chunzheng who faces charges involving the drugs and prostitution. For more information on the arrests and charges, and the status of this active investigation, please contact OBN.
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