Cincinnati CBP Seizes Methamphetamine Disguised as Drink Mixes

CINCINNATI—Last Wednesday, September 16, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Cincinnati intercepted smuggled narcotics in a shipment of powdered drinks imported from Mexico. The shipment contained 15 pounds of methamphetamine, with a street value of approximately $230,400.

CBP Narcotic Detector Dog Bruno was working incoming freight from Mexico when he alerted to a package manifested as “18 sachets.” Destined to a private residence in Houston, Texas, the shipment contained 18 foil packets labeled as various powdered drinks. Officers tested the drink mixes, which were identified as methamphetamine.

Cincinnati Port Director Richard Gillespie emphasized the importance of his officers and their canine partners to the success of the CBP mission. “The work of the brave men and women at the Port of Cincinnati and the hard work and dedication of our canine teams has prevented yet another shipment of dangerous drugs from reaching our communities.”

With more than 1,500 canine teams, the CBP Canine Program is the largest and most diverse law enforcement canine program in the country. Canines are taught to detect concealed humans, narcotics, currency, firearms, and are specialized in other disciplines such as search and rescue, tracking and trailing, human remains detection, and special response support.

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.