CBP snuffs Cuban cigars at Chicago OÆHare
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers have seized a record number of illegal Cuban cigars arriving from Switzerland at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport's mail facility, the agency said Tuesday.
During the last two weeks, officers seized more than 30,000 Cuban cigars on top of 70,000 already detained. The action stems from the U.S. embargo on goods and services from Cuba. No products of Cuban origin can be imported without a license from the Treasury Department.
Last month, in response to the Yemen parcel bomb plot, the Department of Homeland Security banned small parcels of toner and ink cartridge over one pound flown on passenger aircraft, either in carry-on and checked bags, as well as mail shipments.
CBP noticed an increase in European mail arriving inbound on cargo aircraft to Chicago, as a result of the extra scrutiny of mail. An investigation unearthed several online retailers in Switzerland who sell genuine Cuban cigars and are shipping orders to the United States despite the embargo, CBP said.
The agency said it is the first time it has seen this level of illegal cigar shipments through Chicago.
CBP snuffs Cuban cigars at Chicago O?Hare
