Cincinnati CBP Cracks Down on Unauthorized Weight Loss Drugs from UK and Hong Kong

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Cincinnati have been kept busy this year by a string of seizures involving unapproved weight loss drugs. As fall arrives, the trend shows no sign of slowing. During a routine check on October 5, CBP seized a shipment declared as a “cosmetic weight loss product” only to find it contained Mounjaro injectable pens in multiple doses. This shipment, originating from a UK pharmacy and intended for an Ohio address, failed to comply with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), according to a

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

report.

Another shipment, intercepted on October 14 from Hong Kong, harbored 20 vials of Semaglutide 10 mg and 150 Tirzepatide 30 mg, with a domestic value of $45,450. This consignment was also destined for an Ohio residence but was seized by CBP. The danger with such shipments is not just their illegality; they circumvent the FDA’s stringent standards for quality, safety, and effectiveness, potentially risking consumers’ health. The lower cost may lure consumers, but they could end up with products that have unknown ingredients, lead to undesirable side effects, or fail to work.

LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations-Chicago, underscored the frequency of such incidents, saying, “These types of unapproved medications are common seizures our officers see on a regular basis.” She assured that

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

officers would persist in collaborating with trade industry players and consumer safety partners to halt the flow of illicit and potentially harmful products into the country. CBP’s vigilance is part of a broader effort to enforce regulations for agencies, including the FDA, aiming to mitigate the importation of illegal medications and beauty products into the United States.

The FDA offers resources and information for individuals seeking guidance on the legal importation of drugs. CBP endeavors to facilitate lawful travel and trade while simultaneously protecting the fabric of America’s economic vitality. With over 65,000 employees, CBP stands as the largest law enforcement entity in the nation, tasked with balancing secure borders with the facilitation of legitimate commerce and travel. They remain steadfast in fostering our nation’s security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.

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