U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) field operations officers stationed at the Ontario air cargo facility at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) uncovered 1.6 pounds of crystal methamphetamine concealed within a hollowed-out candle last Wednesday.
The express parcel originated from Mexico and was destined for Mills Spring, North Carolina. With the use of non-invasive x-ray imaging, officers noticed a large object within a false cavity of the candle. Officers then extracted a blue cylinder-like object from the bottom of the candle and inspected its contents, which tested positive for properties of methamphetamine.
The candle and methamphetamine were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents for further processing.
“Our officers are very mindful of an individual’s property including spiritual items, yet they remain focused on keeping dangerous drugs off the streets of our community,” Mitchell Merriam, area port director for CBP Los Angeles, said.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of the nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists, terrorist weapons and narcotics out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.