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  4. Syracuse CBP Officers Seize Opium Poppy Pods

Syracuse CBP Officers Seize Opium Poppy Pods

Release Date
Mon, 11/02/2020

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Syracuse Airport seized opium-poppy-pods in a shipment destined to New York State.

On September 3, CBP officers working at the Syracuse Airport selected a package manifested as dried table decorations, for additional screening. Further inspection by CBP officers, revealed 989 grams of what appeared to be loosely packed poppy pods. Opium poppy is considered a schedule II controlled substance and this discovery prompted a small sample of the item being forwarded to the Laboratory & Scientific Services (LSS).

Opium pods seized at the Syracuse, N.Y. Airport.
Opium pods seized at the Syracuse, N.Y. Airport.

On October 27, technicians from CBP’s LSS determined the sample contained codeine and morphine, consistent with opium poppy pods and as a result the raw opium was seized. “Our officers continue to perform their jobs at the highest level,” said Syracuse Port Director David Harris. “These officers do a tremendous job of screening and removing illegal substances before they are able to get into our communities.”

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021