An Estimated $60k In Cigarettes Seized From Cruise Passengers In California

FDA proposes cutting nicotine in cigarettes by more than half

The FDA has proposed caps on nicotine in cigarettes. The potential rule could reduce the concentration of nicotine in cigarettes by more than half.

• CBP confiscated approximately 750 cartons of illicit cigarettes from two cruise passengers in Long Beach.
• The cigarettes, lacking necessary permits and FDA-compliant labels, were discovered in the passengers' luggage after arriving from Ensenada, Mexico.
• The estimated value of the contraband cigarettes is $59,920, and they will be destroyed.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized nearly 750 cartons of illegally imported cigarettes from two cruise passengers in Long Beach, California.

Officers found the cigarettes, including Newport 100s, Marlboro Red, Marlboro Silver and other varieties, in 10 pieces of luggage during an April 17 inspection, according to a May 14 news release. The couple had arrived from Ensenada, Mexico on a cruise.

The agency did not identify the travelers or the cruise line they were sailing with.

“Large quantities of cigarettes are considered ‘commercial’ not personal use; therefore, an importer permit from the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is required,” CBP said in the release. “In addition, tobacco product labels must meet FDA standards, such as including nicotine warnings and accurate product descriptions.”

The two women had receipts for the cigarettes but could not show the required permits. CBP estimated the cartons – which will be destroyed under the agency’s supervision – to be valued at $59,920.

“Selling illegally imported cigarettes could yield high profits for underground vendors due to the low cost of cigarettes when purchased overseas and the evasion of taxes owed upon import,” added Africa R. Bell, CBP Port Director of Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport. “This type of scheme not only evades revenue owed to the United States but may be harmful to the American consumer.”

The news comes after CBP said in late April that officers had seized close to 72 grams of heroin mixed with fentanyl from a cruise passenger arriving in Galveston, Texas.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.