CBP Seizes Nearly $143K in Prohibited Bongs

Customs and Border Protection officers seized nearly $143,000 in smoking bongs in an air cargo shipment at Washington Dulles International Airport.

Customs and Border Protection officers seized nearly 8,400 prohibited smoking pipes and bongs, worth about $143,000, in air cargo at Washington Dulles International Airport.

CBP officers initially examined the shipment from China on September 8. The shipment consisted of 41 boxes that contained 8,387 glass and silicone smoking pipes and bongs. Federal law prohibits the importation of drug paraphernalia. The shipment was destined to an address in Los Angeles County, Calif.

Officers worked with CBP’s Consumer Products and Mass Merchandising Center for Excellence and Expertise, who appraised the shipment at $142,495.

“Customs and Border Protection remains committed to facilitating lawful trade while identifying consumer goods that violate U.S. laws or illicit products that can potentially harm our nation’s citizens,” said Casey Durst, Director of Field Operations for CBP’s Baltimore Field Office. “Legitimate international trade helps to sustain our nation’s economic vitality and security.”

CBP’s Trade Operations facilitates legitimate trade, enforces law, and protects the American economy to ensure consumer safety and to create a level playing field for American businesses.

On a typical day during 2019, CBP processed 97,342 entries of merchandise worth about $7.3 billion, and collected $224 million in duties, taxes and other fees, including more than $197 million in duties at our 328 air, land, and sea ports of entry. Learn more about what CBP accomplished during a “Typical Day in 2019.” Learn more about CBP’s Trade facilitation and enforcement mission.