30,000 Tramadol pills intercepted by CBP in Cincinnati

CINCINNATI— U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Cincinnati seized a shipment on Dec. 4 containing 30,000 Tramadol tablets, a schedule IV substance under the Controlled Substance Act.

The shipment was arriving from Barbados and destined for an address on St. Kitts-Nevis Island. Officers inspected the shipments to determine the admissibility of the parcel and its contents and found small boxes of 30 push pill tabs, for a total of 30,000 tablets. The 50mg tablets of Tramadol have an approximate street value of $150,000. 

“Most people hear about CBP seizing narcotics shipments,” said Director of Field Operations LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, 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.”

This medication is used to help relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. Tramadol is similar to opioid analgesics. It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain. Tramadol is most commonly abused by narcotic addicts, chronic pain patients, and health professionals. For the stated reasons of its abuse, Tramadol is a Schedule IV substance under the Controlled Substances Act.

CBP provides basic import information about admissibility requirements and the clearance process for e-commerce goods and encourages buyers to confirm that their purchases and the importation of those purchases comply with any state and federal import regulations.

CBP conducts operations at ports of entry throughout the United States, and regularly screens arriving international passengers and cargo for narcotics, weapons, and other restricted or prohibited products. CBP strives to serve as the premier law enforcement agency enhancing the Nation’s safety, security, and prosperity through collaboration, innovation, and integration.

Follow CBP on X @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 America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 67,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.