Unmasking creative smuggling methods
Over a recent period of six days, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Cincinnati airport seized several shipments with illicit cargo, each smuggled in a unique way.
On 23 February, narcotics detector dog Bruno alerted to a shipment of cookware transiting from Canada to Australia. It appeared to have unusual defects in the non-stick lining, and when officers took a closer look, they found cocaine packed inside compartments in the bottom of the pans.
Three days later, while inspecting a shipment of toys from Mexico to Houston, TX, officers found USD 15,000 of undeclared US currency secured behind an action figure (photo).
Finally, on 1 March, officers found both methamphetamine and marijuana packed inside air pumps and speakers in a shipment coming from Mexico and headed to Austin, TX. (ah)