U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport seized 749 cartons of illegally imported cigarettes on April 17 from two female passengers arriving on a cruise ship from Ensenada, Mexico.
During an inspection at the Long Beach Cruise Ship Terminal, CBP officers discovered 10 pieces of luggage filled with contraband cigarettes. The travelers presented receipts but failed to provide the necessary import permits required for such large quantities.
Seizure Valued at Nearly $60,000
The confiscated cigarettes included:
- 326 cartons of Newport 100’s
- 58 cartons of Newport regulars
- 112 cartons of Marlboro Red
- 43 cartons of Marlboro Silver
- 210 cartons of Marlboro Gold
Based on an estimated $80 per carton in California, the seizure is valued at approximately $59,920. According to CBP, large amounts of cigarettes are classified as commercial quantities, necessitating an import permit from the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Additionally, imported tobacco products must comply with FDA labeling standards, including accurate nicotine warnings.
Enforcement Action to Protect Revenue and Public Safety
“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. “Travelers who intentionally disregard U.S. importation laws and regulations often pay a high price.”
All 749 cartons were seized and will be destroyed under CBP supervision, ensuring they do not enter the U.S. market.
Preventing Tax Evasion and Consumer Risks
CBP officials emphasized that illegally imported cigarettes can fuel underground markets, allowing vendors to profit by avoiding taxes and selling at lower prices. This practice not only results in lost tax revenue for the U.S. government but also exposes consumers to potentially unsafe products.
“CBP officers at our nation’s largest seaport complex remain committed to enforcing our laws and protecting the American public,” said Africa R. Bell, CBP Port Director of Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport.
