Louisville CBP finds mini fridge loaded with items not found at local supermarket

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Louisville intercepted a shipment containing two types of illicit drugs earlier this month. The shipment was arriving from France and was manifested as a “Mini Fridge/Freezer.” The shipment was recommended for a physical examination after a CBP canine alerted to the shipment. When officers inspected the shipment, they discovered 12 boxes. Upon opening them, seven of the boxes contained Ethylpentedrone Hydrochloride, a Schedule I stimulant equivalent to cocaine and methamphetamine. There is no legitimate medical use for this drug, and it can cause insomnia, hyperthermia, disorientation, paranoia, and cardiac arrest. In total, officers seized 23 pounds of this controlled substance. Abuse of this drug is common among youths and young adults. The other five boxes contained 23 pounds of Ketamine, a Schedule III drug used in both human and veterinary medicine to induce sedation, immobility, and relief from pain. It has also been used by medical professionals for mental health and substance use disorders. Ketamine is a drug abused due to its ability to induce dissociative sensations and hallucinations and has also been used by criminals to impair individuals in a social setting to facilitate sexual assaults. Typically, Ketamine abuse occurs among teens and young adults at nightclubs and private parties. Overdoses can lead to nausea, irregular heart rate, muscle stiffening, unconsciousness, and respiratory failure leading to death. The shipment was destined for a residential address in the United States and was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation. The total estimated value of both narcotics was $152,000. “By leveraging their training, technology, and our exceptional canine teams, our officers on a daily basis disrupt multiple narcotic shipments,” said Louisville Port Director Phil Onken. “We are committed to protecting our communities and stopping the flow of illegal and dangerous drugs, which have harmful and lasting impacts upon the individuals consuming them and their families.” CBP's border security mission is led at ports of entry by CBP officers from the Office of Field Operations. CBP officers screen international travelers and cargo and search for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agriculture products, and other illicit items that could potentially harm the American public, U.S. businesses, and our nation’s safety and economic vitality.