A recent Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operation has resulted in the seizure of 71 illegal shipments of Human Growth Hormones (HGH), anabolic steroids, and other dangerous chemicals in a sweep across five ports of entry and two international airports.
The weeklong effort, carried out from March 16 through March 22, involved CBP officers in Chicago working in tandem with teams at JFK International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and the Ports of Memphis, Louisville, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati.
The operation was started in response to a troubling spike in chemical smuggling via international mail, according to a press release from the CBP.
CBP’s Chicago Field Office reported finding 67 shipments of HGH and steroids, three shipments of “precursor chemicals,” and one shipment of 4-Butanediol – a chemical that can be used as a precursor to the drug known as GHB, a powerful depressant sometimes referred to as the “date rape” drug.
“The work of our officers has been incredible and their dedication to CBP’s enforcement mission is evident when you look at these seizures,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations in Chicago.
“Bad shippers are persistent in their attempts to smuggle dangerous goods into the United States, however, through our hard work and vigilance we will continue to intercept these illicit substances at our port of entry before they can harm our communities.”
The majority of the seized shipments allegedly came from Hong Kong and were bound for U.S. addresses scattered across the country.
CBP officials say the smugglers attempted to bypass detection using a tactic known as the “master carton” scheme. The scheme involves hiding several smaller packages inside a single larger shipment, intending to sell them domestically in smaller amounts after the bigger package clears customs.
CBP said the uptick in illegal chemical shipments is actually part of a growing trend. From October to December 2024 alone, officers made 151 seizures, already surpassing the total number of chemical interceptions recorded during the entire previous year.
CBP officials are now urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing unregulated performance-enhancing products or supplements from unknown international sources, especially from unregulated sellers online.
