Officers inspected the first shipment and discovered vacuum-sealed bags hidden inside the dehumidifier cases. Officers tested the substance, which was positive for marijuana. Officers then inspected all 12 dehumidifiers and discovered that each one had concealed, vacuum-sealed bags. In all, agents seized 413 pounds of marijuana.
“Our canine teams are an invaluable asset to the CBP enforcement strategy,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director, Field Operations-Chicago Field Office. “These interdictions are a testament to the hard work, dedication and training these teams employ on a daily basis protecting America.”
The dehumidifiers were heading to a company based in Great Britain that contained the marijuana with an approximate street value of $1.10 million.
Although medical and recreational marijuana is legal in Canada, the sale, possession, production and distribution of marijuana is illegal under U.S. federal law.
“Our officers have been trained to identify and stop shipments that pose a threat to our nation and our international counterparts,” said Richard Gillespie, Cincinnati’s port director. “We are committed to the CBP mission and continue to assist our law enforcement allies around the world.”
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