INDIANAPOLIS — Customs agents at the Express Consignment Operations hub in Indianapolis recently thwarted three separate smuggling attempts, intercepting nearly 50 pounds of ketamine over the course of three days.
The combined estimated street value of the seizures totaled more than $321,000, according to a news release.
The first seizure occurred Feb. 3, when officers detained a shipment of water purification equipment, featuring seven steel filters. When officers disassembled the steel filters, they discovered two bags containing a total of 12.5 pounds of ketamine, the agency stated.
Two days later, officers discovered nearly 20 pounds of ketamine concealed inside a pair of elephant statues, and on Feb. 6 officers discovered 17 pounds of ketamine concealed within the walls and tops of two ottomans.
According to the agency, all three shipments were destined for New York residences with one shipment originating in Slovakia and the other two en route from France.
“These seizures demonstrate the vigilance and dedication of our CBP officers who are on the frontline protecting the health and safety of American citizens,” LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director of field operations for Chicago, stated.
“Our officers continue to use their skills, experience, intuition, and all available tools to ensure these kinds of shipments don’t make it into our homes,” she added.
Ketamine, classified as an anesthetic, is a Schedule III non-narcotic drug regulated under the Controlled Substance Act because it can distort perception, cause temporary paralysis and slow breathing to dangerous levels, “potentially shutting down body systems and leading to cardiac arrest or respiratory failure,” the agency stated.
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