CINCINNATI – US Customs and Border Protection arrests Two Polish nationals face criminal charges after more than $200,000 worth of heroin was found inside a baby playpen that arrived at a shipment facility in Cincinnati earlier this month.
They found the drugs after an X-ray of the package revealed “anomalies,” according to a press release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The smugglers concealed within wooden boards of a crib mattress.
After the seizure, police arrested two citizens of Poland who live in Canada. The suspects, whose names haven’t been released, are charged with illegal importation and narcotics trafficking.
“This is an outstanding example of how CBP works together with our international law enforcement partners to protect the communities we serve,” said Chief Supervisory CBP Officer Angela Dilland. “CBP officers will remain ever vigilant in the detection and seizure of these dangerous drugs and we will continue to adapt to the various concealment methods employed by these smugglers.”
The seizure was part of an International Controlled Delivery coordinated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations in Toronto. Controlled deliveries are typically tools used for investigating smuggling operations.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police also played a role in the investigation. Since it was an international shipment, there were no local law enforcement agencies involved.
CBP officers and agriculture specialists are stationed at the express consignment facilities throughout the country. The agency screens arriving international mail and looks for any type of contraband or prohibited items being shipped to the United States.
