U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) thwarted two significant marijuana smuggling attempts last week, seizing a combined total of 293 kilograms of marijuana in separate operations targeting outbound shipments destined for the United Kingdom.
The first and larger of the two seizures occurred on October 2, 2024, when CBP’s Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team (A-TCET), Advanced Targeting Unit (ATU), and Narcotics Detection Canine Team intercepted 241.92 kilograms of marijuana concealed in air cargo. The drugs were packed into 371 vacuum-sealed pouches hidden in eight boxes, falsely labeled as beauty equipment headed to Manchester, U.K.
Two days later, on October 4, CBP officers discovered another shipment of 51.08 kilograms of marijuana in checked baggage on a flight bound for London Heathrow Airport. The marijuana was found in 100 vacuum-sealed bags during a routine inspection.
CBP is continuing its investigation into both smuggling operations, with no further details available at this time.
These latest interceptions add to a growing number of marijuana seizures by CBP in recent years. In 2024, CBP seized 167,000 kilograms of marijuana, up from 150,000 kilograms in 2023.
Despite changes in the legal status of marijuana in certain parts of the U.S., it remains a controlled substance under federal law and a significant drug of abuse. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), marijuana use can lead to serious health issues including impaired learning, memory, and driving abilities, and chronic use can result in respiratory problems and a weakened immune system.
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