CINCINNATI — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Cincinnati intercepted approximately 5,000 individual shipments of unapproved weight loss peptides smuggled from China.
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These shipments contained active ingredients for Glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, which are commonly used in weight loss injectables but are restricted by federal regulations.
Since identifying the scheme, Cincinnati CBP officers have intercepted more than 300 master carton smuggling attempts.
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Each master carton concealed approximately 15 unmanifested shipments, resulting in a total of about 5,000 individual packages intended for various recipients.
These packages were prelabeled with shipping labels that reflected the actual intended destinations.
The seized materials included several GLP-one medications such as retatrutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide. Officers also found various other peptides prohibited by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including MOTS-C, TB10, semax, and cagrilintide.
Therapeutic peptides used for weight loss or health purposes are regulated by the FDA and require a doctor’s prescription.
Cincinnati Port Director Eric Zizelman oversees enforcement at the port and warned that these uncertified chemicals pose significant dangers.
“Noncertified or unlicensed chemicals originating from other countries and shipped into the United States presents a serious health risk to those who use them. CBP urges consumers to not gamble their health against the efficacy of prescription medicines they purchase online from overseas vendors,” Zizelman said.
Federal authorities expressed concern regarding the conditions in which these unapproved peptides are produced.
These products are often manufactured in overseas facilities that may not follow safety standards.
This lack of oversight means the drugs could be contaminated with impurities, deadly bacteria, or other substances that cannot be determined during the importation process.
CBP and the FDA work together to intercept illegal medications and uncertified medical devices.
Officials encourage consumers to verify that their online purchases comply with all federal and state regulations before ordering from international vendors. The agency continues to monitor shipments for mis-manifested goods and unapproved medical supplies.
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