At the Port of Cincinnati, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials intercepted two shipments on February 7 that contained the illegal, addictive, and lethal drug tianeptine. Because the nine pounds violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), officers confiscated them.
In the United States, tianeptine is an unapproved medication. Corporations are making risky and unsubstantiated claims that tianeptine can cure anxiety, depression, pain, opioid use disorder, and other diseases, even though it has been approved in other countries.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also found instances when individuals who abused or misused tianeptine alone or in combination with other medications, such as antidepressants and anxiety medications, suffered additional severe negative consequences. Agitation, sleepiness, disorientation, perspiration, fast heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, slowed or halted respiration, coma, and death were some of these side effects.
Vendors still promote and sell tianeptine despite the FDA’s warnings to consumers. The FDA is aware that tianeptine, usually in tablet or powder form, has been offered online.
The same home in Lubbock, Texas, was the destination of both shipments, which came from the same manufacturer in Hong Kong. This substance is under investigation and has a domestic value of over $209,000.
“Our officers are part of the world’s best frontline defense and are outstanding at what they do,” stated LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director, Field Operations-Chicago Field Office. This chemical compound’s interception is unquestionably important because it stopped harmful narcotics from getting into our communities and potentially hurting innocent people.
CBP regularly checks incoming international passengers and goods for guns, drugs, and other restricted or forbidden items while conducting operations at ports of entry across the United States. Through cooperation, innovation, and integration, CBP aims to become the leading law enforcement organization that improves the safety, security, and prosperity of the country.
American Customs and Border Security
