Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Southern California have seized nearly $60,000 worth of illegally imported cigarettes from two cruise passengers who arrived from Ensenada, Mexico. The seizure of 150,000 cigarettes, including popular brands like Newport 100s and Marlboro Golds, highlights the ongoing challenge of combating illicit tobacco trade and protecting U.S. consumers from potential health risks and tax evasion.
The 150,000 cigarettes, stored in 749 cartons across 10 pieces of luggage, were discovered when the two women arrived at the Long Beach Cruise Ship Terminal on April 17. Despite providing purchase receipts, they were unable to produce the necessary permits for transporting such a quantity of tobacco products. CBP estimated the total value of the seized cigarettes at around $59,920, assuming a low-end selling price of $80 per unit.
Jaime Ruiz, the CBP’s Strategic Media Engagement Branch Chief for the Western U.S., emphasized that this is one of the largest seizures at the Long Beach seaport complex. He noted that the incident underscores the significant financial incentives for underground vendors who exploit the low cost of cigarettes when purchased overseas and evade U.S. import taxes. “Selling illegally imported cigarettes could yield high profits for underground vendors due to the low cost of cigarettes when purchased overseas and the evasion of taxes owed upon import,” said Africa R. Bell, CBP Port Director of the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport.
Bell pointed out that such schemes not only evade revenue owed to the United States but may also be harmful to American consumers. “CBP officers at our nation’s largest seaport complex remain committed to enforcing our laws and to protect the American public,” he continued. The investigation into the incident may continue, as noted by FOX 11 Los Angeles, and the women may face penalties for violating import laws.
The immediate consequence of the seizure is the loss of nearly $60,000 due to the destruction of the cigarettes. “Travelers who intentionally disregard U.S. importation laws and regulations often pay a high price,” Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles, stated in the release. This incident underscores the broader implications of illicit tobacco trade and the importance of strict enforcement of U.S. customs laws to protect both fiscal and public health interests.