WILMINGTON, DE — In a significant enforcement action, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted a shipment valued at over $100,000 in Apple products at the New Castle, Delaware Port. The seizure took place on August 26, as officers uncovered 469 Apple devices being illicitly shipped to China.
The confiscated merchandise included 168 Apple iPads, 59 Apple Watch Ultras, and 242 Apple AirPods. Despite the shipment’s actual value of $103,016, it was deceptively declared as “iPhone return for repair” with a claimed worth of only $3,000. This misrepresentation violated U.S. export regulations, which mandate accurate declarations of value and contents in export manifests.
Erik Kelling, CBP’s Port Director for the Port of Wilmington, emphasized the significance of this discovery. “Mismanifesting merchandise in an export parcel raises serious concern for Customs and Border Protection officers in that the parcels may contain illicit items, such as dangerous drugs, unpermitted firearms, or criminal monetary proceeds,” Kelling stated. Such actions are vital in disrupting activities that could threaten U.S. security both within and beyond national borders.
The role of CBP officers is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the nation’s border security. These officers, alongside agriculture specialists from the Office of Field Operations, are tasked with screening international travelers and cargo. Their responsibilities include intercepting illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit goods, and other prohibited items that pose risks to American safety and economic interests.
This recent seizure highlights the broader mission of CBP in enforcing export laws and safeguarding national security. Accurate export declarations are fundamental to preventing transnational crime and ensuring that all exports comply with legal standards. By intercepting such shipments, CBP plays a critical role in protecting U.S. businesses and the public from potential harm.
As the investigation into this case continues, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts required to uphold border security and the challenges faced by enforcement agencies in combating illegal export activities.
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