The United States has been facing a severe fentanyl and opioid crisis, profoundly impacting numerous communities and families. Over 55,000 Americans die annually due to opioids, including fentanyl and other synthetic variants. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is at the forefront of efforts to enhance homeland security, particularly through the interception of dangerous synthetic opioids like fentanyl and the illicit equipment used in their production.

The magnitude of the problem is evident in the dramatic increase in fentanyl seizures by CBP, which rose by more than 860% from fiscal years 2019 to 2023. Between fiscal years 2022 and 2023 alone, seizures nearly doubled. The extreme lethality of fentanyl is underscored by the fact that a mere 2 milligrams—equivalent to a few grains of sand—can cause a fatal overdose. Unfortunately, fatal incidents have occurred when inspectors or emergency personnel unintentionally came into contact with tiny amounts of the drug.

Beyond fentanyl, CBP also focuses on stopping the illegal importation of machinery and tools used to manufacture synthetic opioids, such as pill presses and molds. Data indicates a rising trend in the illegal importation of these tools, often via air cargo and express courier services. While these tools may not pose a direct threat to cargo handlers, intercepting and seizing them can potentially save many lives.

For members or prospective members of the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT), it’s essential to ask: What proactive steps can be taken to prevent the influx of fentanyl, heroin, synthetic opioids, and the associated manufacturing tools into the U.S.?

Implementing robust policies and procedures for identifying suspicious cargo is vital. This includes careful inspection for signs like unusual names or addresses on shipping documents, leakage of liquid or powdery substances, or discrepancies between cargo descriptions and documentation. Identifying such signs should prompt immediate action, including isolating the suspicious shipments to protect personnel and notifying CBP and other relevant authorities for thorough inspection. Isolate suspected cargo and notify CBP at the local port of entry or call CBP at 1-800-BE-ALERT.

Additional precautions recommended by CBP include:

1. Adding the fentanyl emergency number (Poison Control: 800-222-1222) to your emergency contact list.
2. Updating your CTPAT Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to include protocols for safe cargo handling and recognizing compromised shipments.
3. Ensuring that doses of Naloxone are readily accessible in warehouse or packing areas, especially those dealing with international shipments, to handle unexpected emergencies.
4. Providing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, respiratory protection, and goggles for employees handling cargo.

Education is crucial; employees should be trained to recognize the signs of a fentanyl overdose.

Employers that decide to keep naloxone available in the workplace must adopt policies and procedures regarding the training and administration of the drug. Individuals with access to the drug should be trained to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and taught how to administer the medication properly.

Refer to the CDC’s “Using Naloxone to Reverse Opioid Overdose in the Workplace” for additional information.

Together with CBP, CTPAT members can significantly contribute to addressing the fentanyl and opioid crisis. Establishing and maintaining relevant policies, procedures, and safety measures can save lives, highlighting the importance of collective action against this epidemic. More information on CBP’s efforts against opioids and fentanyl can be found at https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/frontline-against-fentanyl.

For assistance with obtaining or managing CTPAT Certification or preparing for a Validation, please feel free to contact us.