CHICAGO— U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the International Mail Facility at Chicago O’Hare are still seizing counterfeit COVID-19 vaccination cards and the antiparasitic that has caused a lot of controversy, Ivermectin.
On October 4 CBP seized two shipments that were destined for residence in Seagraves and Houston Texas. CBP inspected the parcels to determine the admissibility of the items in accordance with agency procedures. One package was manifested that it contained PVC sleeves while the other package was once again labeled as greeting cards. Upon inspecting the parcels officers found 21 counterfeit COVID-19 vaccination cards in one package and 20 counterfeit COVID-19 vaccination cards in the other. The cards closely resembled the authentic Center for Disease Control (CDC) certificates provided by healthcare practitioners when administering the COVID vaccine. The cards appeared to be fraudulent due to their low-quality appearance and other discrepancies. Both shipments originated from China.
“Our CBP officers continue the fight against these crooks who are using this pandemic to make a profit by selling these fraudulent documents,” said LaFonda Sutton-Burke, Director, Field Operations, Chicago Field Office. “I’m very proud that our officers are able to intercept these dangerous shipments and keep our communities safe.”
However, the danger didn’t stop there. The drug Ivermectin has garnered a lot of headlines as a treatment for COVID. While x-raying a package from China, officers noticed some discrepancies. The package said it contained decorative beads, but when officers inspected the parcel, they found 1 bottle containing 100 tablets of Ivermectin. Additionally, a second package from Mexico also contained 32 more Ivermectin tablets and 40 Hydroxychloroquine pills. The FDA requested these items be seized for violating FDA regulations. The pills were turned over to the FDA Office of Criminal Investigation for further investigation. The shipments were headed to Atlanta and St. Louis Park, Minnesota respectively.
“These shipments are concerning. These were seized in just one night and you have to wonder if this trend will continue,” said Shane Campbell, Area Port Director – Chicago. “Our officers are ready and will stop this threat before it can reach the public.”
This is the third time Chicago CBP has stopped shipments of counterfeit COVID vaccination cards. The FBI has warned the public that buying, selling, or using a counterfeit COVID-19 vaccination cards endangers and places others at risk, and breaks our nation’s laws.
CBP Office of Field Operations’ dual mission is to facilitate travel in the United States while we secure our borders, our people, and our visitors from those that would do us harm like terrorists and terrorist weapons, criminals, and contraband.
Follow CBP on Twitter @CBPChicago and @DFOChicago. Visit CBP’s YouTube channel to learn more about how CBP’s Office of Field Operations secures our nation’s borders.
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 our nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.