Customs and Border Protection officers at Los Angeles International Airport intercepted a shipment of over 17 pounds of liquid methamphetamine hidden in dog shampoo bottles destined for Australia. The discovery took place on April 1st and was conducted by LAX's Outbound Enforcement Team during an examination of cargo listed as "Assorted Dog Shampoos." KTLA reports that authorities estimated the street value of the narcotics at a hefty $1.8 million.
Each of the twelve bottles contained a crystallized white substance which, upon testing, was confirmed to be methamphetamine. Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles, stated, "This interception highlights CBP’s critical outbound mission in detecting, intercepting and seizing potent narcotics heading out of the United States, to countries where illegally imported drugs are sold at a premium," KTLA added. In the past fiscal year, CBP's Office of Field Operations and U.S. Border Patrol seized more than 174,000 pounds of methamphetamine, both inbound and outbound, nationwide.
According to CBP's news release, methamphetamine is classified as a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Schedule II controlled substance. It is known on the streets as "crystal meth," "Tina," or "ice," and is recognized for its high potential for addiction. Using these street names, drugs like methamphetamine integrate into societies and wreak havoc on countless lives, with approximately 1.6 million Australians having used meth in their lifetime, a staggering 7.5% of the country's population.
Andrew H. Douglas, CBP LAX Area Port Director, expressed pride in his team's efforts, stating, "This significant seizure illustrates our officers' vigilance, keen focus and commitment in disrupting transnational drug trafficking."
