FDA, border patrol and ICE coordinate to target mailed contraband

Federal agencies are coordinating efforts to prevent items that they have designated as a public health threat from entering the country.

Agencies involved in the effort include the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, all of which signed a recent memorandum of understanding to cooperate on the matter, according to an FDA press release.

The plan is to focus on International Mail Facilities in order to intercept the items deemed a danger, according to the release.

“Americans must have confidence that the products they receive are reliable and fully comply with U.S. laws,” Dr. Stephen Hahn, FDA commissioner, said in the release. “The collaborative efforts we’ve announced will enable more resourceful, effective and efficient oversight to prevent illegal and potentially harmful products from entering the United States – thereby aiding our essential mission to protect the health and safety of the American people.”