PHILADELPHIA, PA — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted a parcel at Philadelphia International Airport last week containing cocaine and methamphetamine concealed inside a children’s board game. The discovery highlights the evolving tactics used by narcotics traffickers to evade detection.
On July 30, CBP officers inspected an outbound air parcel labeled as a “boardgame.” Upon examination, authorities found that the package — which also contained a bag of cat food — held two suspiciously concealed bags inside the box for 5 Second Rule, Jr., a game marketed to young children.
One of the hidden bags was a zip-locked pouch containing approximately 515 grams (18 ounces) of a white powdery substance. A field test identified the material as cocaine. The second item, a vacuum-sealed package filled with pink tablets, weighed about 186.9 grams (6.5 ounces) and tested positive for methamphetamine.
According to CBP, the parcel originated in Atlanta but was being sent back to its listed sender in London after being marked “return to sender.” Officials noted that in some cases, trafficking organizations manipulate the return-to-sender process by repackaging parcels with illicit substances, using the pretense of an incorrect or refused delivery to mask their smuggling attempts.
The drugs were seized by federal authorities, and the investigation remains ongoing.
“This seizure of dangerous drugs illustrates how Customs and Border Protection officers expertly leverage our export enforcement mission to combat drug trafficking organizations,” said Cleatus P. Hunt, Jr., Area Port Director for CBP’s Area Port of Philadelphia. “CBP officers remain committed to searching for and seizing similar export and import shipments to deprive criminal organizations of their poisonous products or illicit revenue.”
No arrests were announced in connection with the case at this time. Any suspects in this matter are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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