LOUISVILLE, Ky—During the month of August, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Louisville have seized multiple shipments containing the lethal narcotic fentanyl a total of almost six pounds.
The latest seizure was on August 29, when CBP officers detained a shipment arriving from Mexico manifested as four corsets. When officers inspected the items, two of the corsets were thicker and stiffer than the others. When officers inspected the stitching they found four duct taped vacuum packed bundles hidden inside. The bundles contained bluish tablets that later tested positive for fentanyl.
The shipment was destined for a residence in Brooklyn, New York. This parcel contained 700,000 lethal doses of the dangerous narcotic, and had a street value of at least $42,000.
“CBP is very concerned about the increase we are seeing in shipments of fentanyl,” said Thomas Mahn, Port Director-Louisville. “CBP’s Office of Field Operations has already surpassed last year’s total of fentanyl that was seized by 300 pounds and we still have two months to go. This is a very dangerous drug that needs to be kept off the streets.”
Fentanyl is an extremely toxic substance to handle in addition to being a dangerous narcotic to use. Officers are extremely careful when confronted with this substance, which again demonstrates the risk CBP officers face performing their daily duties.
Fentanyl and its analogues are synthetic opioids that bind to and activate the opioid receptors in the brain creating analgesic and euphoric effects. Compared to other opioid medications, most types of fentanyl are extremely powerful.
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.