Over 13,000 prohibited agriculture items stopped in Chicago

CHICAGO-In early August, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Port of Chicago Agriculture Cargo Unit intercepted a shipment containing live cacti, succulents, pork, plant cuttings, and peyote.

The shipment, manifested as women's nylon shirt, was intercepted, and after an intensive examination over multiple days, CBP seized 13,683 total pieces of prohibited plant and animal products lacking proper documentation, permits and phytosanitary certifications. Of note, agriculture specialists found four pounds of soil, one pound of seeds for propagation, and 22 pounds of pork. Additionally, a total of 31 pounds of peyote, which is a psychoactive controlled substance, was discovered and referred to CBP officers for enforcement action.

This shipment originated from China, weighed over 1,700 pounds, and contained 68 prelabeled boxes. This is an example of a shipping method known as a "master carton" smuggling scheme, wherein a single shipment contains many smaller, unmanifested, individual shipments. These unmanifested shipments were prelabeled and would later be sent through a domestic parcel carrier to the intended recipient.

"CBP's Agriculture Specialists mitigate the threat of non-native pests, diseases, and contaminants entering the United States," said Acting Director of Field Operations, Michael Pfeiffer, Chicago Field Office. "CBP agriculture specialists have extensive training and experience in the biological sciences and with agricultural inspections, inspecting tens of thousands of international passengers and cargo shipments at our air, land and sea ports of entry."

Live plants imported without proper documentation are prohibited from entry into the United States. Lawful live plant importation requires phytosanitary certification and must be imported through a United States Dept. of Agriculture Plant Inspection Station. Soil and compost prohibited from entry to prevent the entry of soil nematodes and other pests or diseases.

CBP's border security mission is led at our nation's Ports of Entry by CBP officers and agriculture specialists from the Office of Field Operations. CBP screens international travelers and cargo for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agriculture, invasive weeds and pests, and other illicit products that could potentially harm the American public, U.S. businesses, and our nation's safety and economic vitality.

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 70,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration and trust.

• Topics
• Agriculture
• Cargo Security
• Office of Field Operations
• Port Security
• Search and Seizure