CINCINNATI— U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers at a Cincinnati express consignment facility recently seized multiple packages of counterfeit Botox injections. Two shipments, both manifested as “beauty sample,” were coming from Slough, Great Britain, and destined to private residences in Florida. Additionally, they were improperly labeled as being valued at $1 but their MSRP would have been $12,020 for each shipment for a total of $24,040 had the products been genuine.
“Our officers and specialists are always ready to protect America from all threats, and we are entrusted with enforcing hundreds of laws for other government agencies,” said Cincinnati Port Director Richard Gillespie. “These seizures of counterfeit Botox is one example of our collaborative efforts to ensure the American public is protected from illegal and harmful products entering the U.S.”
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is restricted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and cannot be imported into the U.S. without proper documentation. The FDA provides guidance on how human drugs can be legitimately imported into the United States while meeting strict safety requirements.
CBP provides basic import information about admissibility requirements and the clearance process for e-commerce goods and encourages buyers to confirm that their purchases and the importation of those purchases comply with any state and federal import regulations.
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.