CBP Seizes Liquid Meth Hidden in Dog Shampoo Bottles at LAX, Bound for Australia

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Los Angeles International Airport intercepted more than 17 pounds of liquid methamphetamine concealed in bottles labeled as dog shampoo. The illicit shipment, destined for Australia, was discovered on April 1 during an outbound cargo inspection and carries an estimated street value of $1.8 million.

The air cargo package was declared as containing “Assorted Dog Shampoos,” but during a routine enforcement exam by CBP’s Outbound Enforcement Team, officers uncovered 12 plastic bottles with suspicious contents. Upon inspection, the bottles contained a white, crystalized substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine. The agency emphasized the importance of its outbound operations in preventing the international spread of high-value narcotics.

Liquid methamphetamine, a synthetic stimulant classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration, is known for its high addiction potential. It is often trafficked in creative disguises to countries like Australia, where illegal meth commands premium prices. According to Australian public health data, about 7.5% of the nation’s population has used methamphetamine at some point in their lives.

This seizure is part of broader national enforcement efforts. Since October 2024, marking the start of the 2025 fiscal year, CBP has intercepted more than 64,000 pounds of methamphetamine across the United States. In the previous fiscal year, combined efforts from CBP’s Office of Field Operations and the U.S. Border Patrol led to the seizure of over 174,000 pounds of the drug. The agency credits vigilant screening and targeted inspections for these ongoing interdictions.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from a press release by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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