U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations seized nearly 614 pounds of marijuana in Philadelphia Thursday night that was concealed inside a shipping container.
While examining a shipping container that arrived from Puerto Rico, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered anomalies concealed inside the container floor and a narcotics detector dog alerted to the presence of narcotics. Officers extracted one bundle that contained a green leafy substance. That substance tested positive for marijuana.
Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrived on scene and assisted U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in extracting the remaining marijuana bundles.
Combined, authorities extracted 252 bricks, which weighed a combined 278.49 kilograms, or 613 pounds, 15 ounces. The marijuana, which has been locked in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s seizure vault, has a street value of approximately $2.5 million. The marijuana will be destroyed.
The case was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation.
“This is one of the largest seizures of marijuana that Customs and Border Protection officers have encountered in the Area Port of Philadelphia,” said Casey Durst, CBP’s Director of Field Operations in Baltimore. “This is an outstanding example of how CBP keeps our communities safe from illegal drugs.”
Officials say the container contained a shipment of rice that was destined to an address in North Jersey.
CBP officers screen international travelers and cargo and search for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agriculture, and other illicit products that could potentially harm the American public, U.S. businesses, and our nation’s safety and economic vitality.