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U.S. Customs Seizures in November: Bats and Birds, Counterfeit Gibson Guitars, and Rare Fruit Fly Larvae

clarkespositolaw

Updated: 2 days ago

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. This past month saw several major seizures—here are a few highlights.


CBP Agriculture Specialists in Louisville Seize Shipment Containing Dead Bats and Birds


CBP Agriculture Specialists in Louisville, Kentucky, stopped a shipment containing dead bats and birds. The shipment was attempting to bypass detection in hopes of avoiding enforcement. Wildlife trafficking, including the shipment of dead animals, poses serious risks to public health and the environment, which is why it is heavily regulated. These illegal shipments are often linked to the spread of diseases and invasive species, further emphasizing the importance of strict border enforcement.


CBP and Partners Seize More than $18 Million in Fake Gibson Guitars in Largest Counterfeit Musical Instrument Seizure on Record


In Los Angeles, CBP officers, working alongside industry partners, seized more than eighteen million dollars ($18,000,000) worth of counterfeit Gibson guitars in what has now been recorded as the largest counterfeit musical instrument seizure. The guitars were confirmed to be fakes by Gibson, which noted that only authentic Gibson guitars are made in the U.S. These counterfeit instruments could have been sold to unsuspecting consumers, potentially damaging the reputation of the brand and endangering buyers who unknowingly purchase substandard products. This seizure shows the critical need to address counterfeit goods at the border to protect both businesses and consumers.


CBP Field Ops Seize Rare Fruit Fly Larvae at Detroit Metro Airport


CBP agriculture specialists at Detroit Metropolitan Airport intercepted live larvae from a rare and potentially destructive fruit fly. This pest could have caused significant damage to U.S. agriculture, particularly in the fruit-growing regions. The larvae, found in flowers belonging to a traveler arriving at the airport, were promptly seized to prevent the introduction of this agricultural threat. The interception serves as a reminder of the ongoing vigilance needed to protect U.S. crops from invasive species and pests.


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, we would be happy to speak with you.


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