CINCINNATI—On January 6, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Cincinnati intercepted smuggled narcotics in a large shipment of acrylic waterproofing paint from Mexico enroute to Cleveland, Texas, located just outside of Houston. The shipment contained over 140 pounds of liquid methamphetamine concealed within the paint. The liquid methamphetamine had an estimated street value of up to $955,000.

CBP Narcotic Detector Dog “Betty” was actively working incoming freight and alerted to the shipment of paint. The containers appeared to have a white crystalized substance on the lids with an unusual consistency. These characteristics indicated that narcotics could be mixed within the paint. Officers tested the material inside the buckets. The test produced a positive result for methamphetamine, a Schedule II Narcotic. Methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant that is highly addictive and very dangerous.

Cincinnati Port Director Richard Gillespie highlights that smugglers often conceal narcotics within many different materials. The 5-gallon buckets loaded with methamphetamine are a prime example of a smuggler’s ingenuity. “The Port of Cincinnati officers are sharp and quick thinkers, using excellent deductive reasoning skills.  They make it their mission each day to discover narcotics attempting to be smuggled into the United States.” CBP encourages legitimate trade and travel to and from of the United States.

As the largest federal law enforcement agency in the United States, CBP has a vast, complex, and dynamic mission faced with constantly changing threats. By being continuously watchful and alert, CBP is dedicated to facilitating lawful trade and travel and protecting the homeland and its people.

Follow CBP on Twitter @CBPChicago and @DFOChicago. Visit CBP’s YouTube channel to learn more about how CBP’s Office of Field Operations secures our nation’s borders.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.