CINCINNATI — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Cincinnati seized a shipment containing 30,000 Tramadol tablets earlier this month, preventing the illegal prescription drugs from entering the supply chain, according to CBP officials.
The seizure occurred on December 4, when officers inspected an international shipment arriving from Barbados and destined for an address on St. Kitts-Nevis Island. During a routine inspection to determine the parcel’s admissibility, officers discovered small boxes containing 30 tablets each, totaling 30,000 pills.
The 50-milligram Tramadol tablets, classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, have an estimated street value of approximately $150,000, officials said.
“Most people hear about CBP seizing narcotics shipments,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations for the Chicago Field Office. “However, shipments of illegal prescription pills are very dangerous too. These pills were not regulated by the FDA and can contain harmful chemicals that could be poisonous.”
Tramadol is commonly prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain and works similarly to opioid pain medications by affecting how the brain responds to pain. CBP officials noted the drug is often abused by narcotic addicts, chronic pain patients, and healthcare professionals, contributing to its classification as a controlled substance.
CBP encourages consumers to verify that any prescription medications purchased online comply with state and federal import regulations, warning that illegally imported drugs may pose serious health risks.
Customs and Border Protection officers continue to screen international passengers and cargo at ports of entry across the United States, focusing on intercepting narcotics, weapons, and other prohibited or restricted products to protect public safety.
