On August 5 and 7th, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers (CBPOs) in Memphis, TN selected and examined two shipments manifested as “UNSOLICITED GIFT HANDMADE HAMMOCK WOVEN WITH PLAST.” The shipments were being sent from southern Mexico to two residences close to each other in Winston Salem, North Carolina.
The shipments contained bright, multicolored woven hammocks. However, anomalies within the hammock handles were detected during an X-Ray, and a CBP K9 was summoned. The K9 provided a positive alert, and CBPOs cut open the handles, revealing an unknown white powdery substance. The substance tested positive for cocaine and totaled 3.4 kg.
“Cocaine is an extreme stimulant so it’s ironic it was being smuggled in a hammock for relaxing.” Said Area Port Director Michael Neipert. “I’m proud my officers kept this cocaine from getting to its destination.”
These two nearly identical seizures took place within the Area Port of Memphis, which covers ports of entry throughout the state of Tennessee and falls under CBP’s New Orleans Field Office. This Field Office includes all ports in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee.
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