Fake COVID-19 tests, counterfeit consumer goods, synthetic drugs part of large Customs bust in Cincinnati

CINCINNATI — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized an air shipment from China that contained a large amount of synthetic drugs, counterfeit items, fake COVID-19 test kits, and other controlled substances, according to a CBP spokesperson.

>>PHOTOS: Large Customs bust results in large seizure of synthetic drugs, counterfeit items

In synthetic drugs alone, agents seized 530 pounds and is the largest synthetic drug seizure in the history of the Port of Cincinnati, officials said.

>>Statewide Amber Alert cancelled for abducted 1-year-old Youngstown girl

Over 170 pounds of the illegal drugs included synthetic cannabionids, known through street names like K2 and Spice, and synthetic cathinones, better known as bath salts. The estimated value of those seized drugs alone was over $2 million.

In counterfeit products, fake consumer goods from multiple brands like Apple, Air Jordan, Louis Vuitton, Samsung, Tory Burch, and Yeezy were found in the shipment. Also in the shipment were fake COVID-19 test kits.

The estimated manufacturer suggested retail price had those items been genuine totaled nearly $1.3 million.

“I’m extremely proud of our officers who worked to make sure these dangerous drugs and illicit items were removed from the hands of citizens and the American commerce,” Cincinnati Port Director Richard Gillespie said in a media release.

The shipment originated from China and was heading to a single importer in Aurora, Colorado.

“When officers examined the shipment, they found more than 160 smaller packages addressed to individuals and businesses across the nation,” the CBP spokesperson said.

“These smaller shipments contained various items including regulated medications, agriculture and food products, intellectual property rights violations such as counterfeit handbags and shoes, and 530 pounds of synthetic drugs and controlled substances.”

Of the 530 pounds of illegal drugs, 435 pounds of those were considered Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Agency. Other items in the shipment included other prescription-only medications like steroids, anti-anxiety, and even medications intended for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19.

“Synthetic drugs threaten the health and safety of our nation’s citizens. This seizure epitomizes the dedication of our officers and showcases the significant role they play in ensuring CBP’s strategy to combat the illicit flow of narcotics is successful,” Robert E. White, Director of CBP Field Operations for Chicago Field Office said in the release.

© 2020 Cox Media Group