Oct. 10, 2024; Reynoldsburg, Ohio, USA; Bottles of shampoo await clients at HEART Food Pantry, the main food pantry serving Reynoldsburg and the east side of Columbus. HEART is a choice market, meaning people can pick which items they want, similar to any grocery store.
Los Angeles, California – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers stationed at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) intercepted 17.41 pounds of liquid methamphetamine concealed in plastic bottles labeled as dog shampoo, officials confirmed this week.
Authorities discovered the narcotics on April 1 during an outbound enforcement inspection by LAX’s CBP Outbound Enforcement Team. The shipment, declared as “Assorted Dog Shampoos,” was bound for Australia when officers flagged it for further inspection.
Upon opening the 12 bottles, CBP officers found a suspicious crystalized white substance. Laboratory testing confirmed it was methamphetamine — a highly addictive stimulant classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The shipment’s estimated street value in Australia is $1.8 million.
“This interception highlights CBP’s critical outbound mission in detecting, intercepting and seizing potent narcotics heading out of the United States, to countries where illegally imported drugs are sold at a premium,” said Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles.
Methamphetamine, often referred to as “crystal meth,” “Tina,” or “ice,” is a synthetic stimulant known for its high addiction potential and severe impact on users’ health. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, approximately 1.6 million Australians — or 7.5% of the population — have used methamphetamine at some point in their lives.
“This significant seizure illustrates our officers’ vigilance, keen focus, and commitment in disrupting transnational drug trafficking,” added Andrew H. Douglas, CBP LAX Area Port Director. “I’m very proud of their actions.”
The seizure at LAX underscores CBP’s continued efforts to target both inbound and outbound drug smuggling. Nationwide, CBP’s Office of Field Operations and U.S. Border Patrol seized over 174,000 pounds of methamphetamine in fiscal year 2024. Since October 2024, the beginning of fiscal year 2025, the agencies have already intercepted over 64,000 pounds.
CBP officials warn that drug traffickers continue to develop increasingly deceptive methods to smuggle narcotics, including disguising them in everyday products like pet care items. The agency emphasized its commitment to using advanced technology, intelligence sharing, and rigorous inspection protocols to stop these dangerous substances from reaching their destinations.
The investigation into the shipment is ongoing, and no arrests have been announced.
