PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Philadelphia have seized nearly 300 pounds of dried opium poppy pods shipped from Spain between May 1 and May 20, 2025. The seized poppy pods, a Schedule II controlled substance, carry an estimated street value of around $30,000.
Opium poppy pods contain naturally occurring opiates such as morphine and codeine and are illegal to import without proper licensing. Some individuals illegally import these pods to make poppy tea, which can have strong narcotic and psychoactive effects, and has been linked to fatal overdoses.
The seized shipments were disguised as “Decora Craft Balls Ornamental” and were sent to various addresses across multiple U.S. states, including Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Cleatus P. Hunt, Jr., Area Port Director for CBP’s Area Port of Philadelphia, emphasized the ongoing fight against the opioid epidemic, stating, “Intercepting these poppy pods is one way in which Customs and Border Protection can help combat this very serious opioid public health threat.”
This operation marks the second major seizure of poppy pods by the Baltimore Field Office this year, following a 250-pound seizure at Washington Dulles International Airport in February.
CBP continues to rigorously inspect international cargo to prevent dangerous narcotics and other illicit products from entering the United States.
All seized poppy pods are slated for destruction.
