It was a hefty haul for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Long Beach Cruise Ship Terminal earlier this month when they snagged 749 cartons of contraband cigarettes from a couple of passengers disembarking from a cruise ship. The cigarettes, valued at nearly $60,000, were discovered in 10 pieces of luggage as the two women arrived from Ensenada, Mexico, on April 17. According to CBS News Los Angeles, the stash included brands like Newport and Marlboro, with authorities stating that such large amounts are deemed commercial, not personal use, and thus are subject to strict importation laws.
"The importation of tobacco products is highly regulated from both tax and consumer safety perspectives," said Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. In a statement obtained by NBC Los Angeles, Davies emphasized that travelers who bypass regulations "often pay a high price." The women had purchase receipts but lacked the required permits for importing commercial quantities of tobacco, which include an importer permit from the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, and compliance with FDA standards for labeling.
Tax evasion and public health concerns drive such rigorous oversight, as illicit cigarette trading can be a lucrative endeavor due to the disparity in costs and tax obligations between the U.S. and other countries. Africa Bell, CBP Port Director of Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport, told CBP Newsroom, "This type of scheme not only evades revenue owed to the United States but may be harmful to the American consumer." The types of cigarettes discovered included 326 cartons of Newport 100’s, 58 cartons of Newport regulars, 112 cartons of Marlboro Red, 43 cartons of Marlboro Silver, and 210 cartons of Marlboro Gold.
All the seized tobacco will not be entering the U.S. market; instead, these 749 cartons will face destruction supervised by CBP officials. "CBP officers at our nation's largest seaport complex, remain committed to enforcing our laws and to protect the American public," said Bell, as stated by the CBP Newsroom.
