Authorities arrested a couple who arrived in Southern California on a cruise ship in possession of nearly 150,000 contraband cigarettes.
The 749 cartons of illegally imported cigarettes were concealed in 10 pieces of luggage being carried by the couple, who were arriving from Ensenada, Mexico, on April 17 at the Long Beach Cruise Ship Terminal, according to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection news release issued Wednesday.
The two women, who were traveling together, presented themselves for CBP inspection upon disembarking, and while they were able to show proof that they purchased the cigarettes, they were unable to show that they were permitted to import “such a quantity” of tobacco products.
When CBP agents further inspected the ten pieces of luggage, they discovered 326 cartons of Newport 100s, 58 cartons of Newport Regular, 112 cartons of Marlboro Red, 43 cartons of Marlboro Silver and 210 cartons of Marlboro Gold cigarettes.
“Based on a low-end estimate of $80 a carton in the state of California, the total value of the cigarettes is estimated to be $59,920,” the CBP news release states.
A U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tade and Trade Bureau importer permit is required to import large quantities of cigarettes – which are considered “commercial” and not personal use – to the United States. Additionally, product labels must meet FDA standards, such as including nicotine warnings and accurate product descriptions, federal officials explained.
While CBP Director of Los Angeles Field Operations Cheryl M. Davies stated in the release that “travelers who intentionally disregard U.S. importation laws and regulations often pay a high price,” the exact punishment the two women will face was not disclosed. Neither of them were identified.
“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,” Africa R. Bell, CBP Port Director of Los Angeles-Long Beach Seaport, said. “This type of scheme not only evades revenue owed to the United States but may be harmful to the American consumer.”
All 749 cartons were seized and will be destroyed under CBP supervision, federal officials said.