U.S. Customs Seizures in April: CBP Canines, Replica Firearms, Spider Monkeys, and More
- clarkespositolaw
- May 26
- 3 min read

Facing a CBP Seizure? We Can Help.
If your business is dealing with a CBP seizure, navigating the complex process can be overwhelming. We have extensive experience handling CBP related matters and can help you respond to enforcement actions, mitigate penalties, and prevent future issues. Our team is ready to guide you through each step to ensure compliance and protect your interests. Have questions? Give our office a call today at (917) 546-6997 or schedule an intake meeting, we would be happy to speak with you.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the frontline defense in preventing illegal and dangerous goods from entering the United States. Every day, CBP officers across the country work tirelessly to enforce regulations and seize violative shipments. These efforts help protect American consumers and businesses, ensuring that only safe and compliant products reach the U.S. market. Last month saw several major seizures—here are a few highlights.
Over $171K in Unreported Currency Sniffed Out at Dulles International Airport
CBP canines Fuzz and Cigy played a key role in intercepting more than $171,000 in unreported U.S. currency at Washington Dulles International Airport. In two separate outbound inspections, the dogs alerted officers to hidden cash in travelers' luggage, including one seizure totaling over $105,000. These highly trained dogs helped ensure compliance with federal currency reporting laws and demonstrated the vital role CBP K9 teams play in protecting U.S. borders.
(Right) K9 Fuzz is a four-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever trained to detect currency and firearms. (Left) K9 Cigy is a two-year-old male German shepherd mix trained to detect currency, firearms, and ammunition. Photos courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Spider Monkey Smuggling Attempt Foiled at Hidalgo Port of Entry
CBP officers at the Hidalgo Port of Entry intercepted a live spider monkey being smuggled into the U.S. without the required permits. The animal was concealed within a vehicle and posed potential threats to public health and safety. The monkey was turned over to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) authorities. This case highlights CBP’s commitment to enforcing wildlife import regulations and preventing the illegal trafficking of exotic animals.
Over 1,000 Replica Firearms and Suppressors Seized at LAX
CBP officers at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport, in coordination with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), seized more than 1,000 replica firearms and suppressors that violated federal regulations. The items, shipped from China, resembled real firearms and posed safety risks due to their realistic appearance. This seizure highlights CBP’s work with partner agencies to enforce import safety standards and prevent potentially dangerous items from entering the U.S. marketplace.
Ready to Learn More About CBP, OFAC,
BIS, FWS, and FDA?
We have over one hundred videos in our educational library on our YouTube channel related to importing, exporting, US Customs, BIS, OFAC, FWS, FDA, NFTs, and so much more. Subscribe to our channel now to stay up to date on the latest on these topics!
Our law firm helps growing companies who import and export comply with government regulations. We love what we do and we take our oath of confidentiality over your matters very seriously. How much? Watch this video to learn about it. CLICK HERE
Wondering "why should you have an attorney on your side?" Click here to watch one of our attorneys, Susan Steinman, break down the critical benefits as to why you want to have one on your side - whether you hire us to help you or another law firm.
Have questions? We are determined to help you.
We listen carefully to clients to ensure our understanding of the legal issues at hand, their factual context, and any limitations that might impact a chosen strategy. Feel free to connect with us using the contact form at the bottom of the Home page or send us an email at contact@clarkespositolaw.com.
Comentarios