Cbp Seizes Massive Haul Of 150,000 Illegal Cigarettes From Cruise Passengers In California

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers successful Southern California person reportedly seized a monolithic haul of illegally imported cigarettes intercepted from 2 cruise vessel passengers past month.

Officers assigned to nan Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport discovered astir 150,000 cigarettes, stored successful 749 cartons crossed 10 pieces of luggage, from a mates arriving from Ensenada, Mexico, connected April 17, according to a CBP property release.

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CBP estimated nan seizure — which included, but was not constricted to, 326 cartons of Newport 100s and 210 cartons of Marlboro Golds — to beryllium worthy immoderate $59,920, assuming a low-end trading value of $80 per unit.

"This is decidedly a large bust," Jaime Ruiz, nan CBP's Strategic Media Engagement Branch Chief for astir of nan Western U.S., told Fox News Digital. Ruiz called it "one of nan largest we’ve seen astatine nan LA:Long Beach seaport complex."

Two women were reportedly recovered pinch astir 150,000 contraband cigarettes astatine nan Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection | iStock)

The women presented themselves for inspection aft disembarking astatine nan Long Beach Cruise Ship Terminal, astatine which constituent nan cigaret stash was found. 

Despite providing acquisition receipts, they were incapable to nutrient permits for proscription of specified a amount of baccy products.

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"Selling illegally imported cigarettes could output precocious profits for underground vendors owed to nan debased costs of cigarettes erstwhile purchased overseas and nan evasion of taxes owed upon import," said Africa R. Bell, CBP Port Director of nan Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport, according to nan release. 

The seizure occurred April 17 astatine California's Long Beach Cruise Ship Terminal. (Google Maps)

"This type of strategy not only evades gross owed to nan United States but whitethorn beryllium harmful to nan American consumer," Bell continued, noting that "CBP officers astatine our nation’s largest seaport analyzable stay committed to enforcing our laws and to protect nan American public."

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Investigation into nan incident whitethorn continue, notes FOX 11 Los Angeles, and nan women whitethorn beryllium taxable to penalties for violating import laws. 

Some 749 cartons of cigarettes were seized: 326 cartons of Newport 100s, 210 cartons of Marlboro Golds, 112 cartons of Marlboro Reds, 58 cartons of Newport regulars and 43 cartons of Marlboro Silvers. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

But nan "immediate consequence," Ruiz noted, "is that now location is simply a antagonistic grounds and, by default, they person incurred a important nonaccomplishment of astir $60K."

That loss, Ruiz continued, is realized successful nan seizure and demolition of nan cigarettes.

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"Travelers who intentionally disregard U.S. importation laws and regulations often salary a precocious price," Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations successful Los Angeles, said successful nan release.