Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage
U.S. Customs officials have seized more than $1.2 million worth of heroin in three different shipments through Anchorage’s FedEx facility. The drugs were discovered in April and May.
On April 22, customs officers searched a shipment of women’s purses from Malaysia, which were found to contain 432 grams of heroin sewn into the liners. On April 26, almost two kilograms of heroin were found in a package of baby wipes, and on May 10, 830 grams were hidden in picture frames sent from Thailand.
All the seizures add up to six pounds. The incidents are under investigation, according to Jerry McGhee, chief customs and border protection officer in anchorage.
McGee can’t say where the packages were destined, because of the ongoing investigation. He says six pounds of heroin is considered a lot. McGee says Anchorage cargo facilities pose a challenge to customs officers.
There are over 100 customs and border protection officers statewide, with about half of them stationed in Anchorage.
McGee says cruise ship season is a busy time for his officers, with ships entering various ports across the state.
McGee says they’ve even got customs inspectors at Poker Creek on the Top of the World Highway.
Photo courtesy of the Department of Homeland Security
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