10 Surprising Things Border Patrol Seized At Michigan-Canada Crossings in 2019

The Detroit office of Customs and Border Patrol seized drugs and cash, but also Apple AirPods, Rolex watches and an ancient Egyptian artifact.

Eli Newman / WDET
Eli Newman / WDET

Are you missing your ancient Egyptian treasure? The government might have it, alongside drugs and cash seized at ports of entry in Michigan. 

The Detroit office of the U.S Customs and Border Protection held a press conference today to showcase what the agency seized at five U.S.-Canada crossing in the state in 2019. 

In 2019, “CBP officers at ports throughout Michigan inspected and facilitated the entry of over 17,000 passenger cars, 6,500 commercial vehicles, 29 commercial aircraft and 15 cargo trains” the agency said in a statement. The agency seized drugs, including 10 pounds of fentanyl, and over $7.8 million. 

But that’s not all. Agents also showcased some of the stranger things the agency seized at the border. See photos of some of those items below, presented with the stated reasoning for seizure.


10. Rolex Watches

Seized for violation of: Intellectual property rights.

Eli Newman / WDET
Eli Newman / WDET

9. $25,448 in Currency 

Seized for: Failure/inaccurate reporting of over $10,000 out of the U.S. and concealed bulk cash/export.

8. Body Armor and Replica Grenades

Seized for: Failure to declare merchandise.

Eli Newman / WDET

Eli Newman / WDET

7. 267 Pounds of Opium

Seized for: Failure to declare controlled substance, zero tolerance.

Eli Newman / WDET
Eli Newman / WDET

6. Apple AirPods

Seized for violation of: Intellectual property rights.

Eli Newman / WDET
Eli Newman / WDET

5. 213 Grams Khat, $7,700 in Money Orders

Seized for violation of: Exportation of a controlled substance, concealed bulk cash/export.

4. Nintendo Parts

Seized for violation of: Intellectual property rights.

Eli Newman / WDET
Eli Newman / WDET

3. Kylie Cosmetics Lipstick and Liner

Seized for violation of: Intellectual property rights.

Eli Newman / WDET
Eli Newman / WDET

2. $163,043 worth of gift cards, cash and checks

Seized for: Failure/inaccurate report of over $10,000 out of the U.S.

1. Ancient Egyptian Bastet

Seized for violation of: Importation of designated archeological or ethnological material subject to bilateral agreements or emergency action.

Eli Newman / WDET
Eli Newman / WDET

 

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Author

  • Eli Newman is a Reporter/Producer for 101.9 WDET, covering breaking news, politics and community affairs. His favorite Motown track is “It’s The Same Old Song” by the Four Tops.