see also: in April 2006 News Releases:   CBP Officers Seize Thousands of Dollars from Sentri Participant   CBP Nabs Murder Suspects at Two Different Port of Entries   Border Patrol’s BORSTAR Team Saving Lives   CBP Officers Seize Over Three Tons of Marijuana at Calexico Ports   CBP Border Patrol Agents Apprehend Wanted Fugitive Featured on America’s Most Wanted   Homeland Security Officials Unveil Latest Radiation Technology to Secure our Nation's Seaports   Rising Temperatures in South Texas Prompt Rescue Efforts ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

San Juan, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers make every effort to keep our loved ones secure. Last month alone the CBP made five more seizures of motorcycles and scooters with a total domestic value of over $1.3 million. In the last twelve months CBP has seized scooters and motorcycles with a domestic value of over $4.2 million.

CBP teamed up with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that these noncompliant products are not allowed into the country. Importers attempt to enter merchandise as “off-road” vehicles when in fact the products were equipped with all necessary on-road use, such as headlights, taillights, speedometer marking more than 25 MPH, and brake lights. Some were found marked as “made in USA” on the Department of Transportation (DOT) labels when actually manufacture in China. Others did not possess the necessary certificates issued by EPA and DOT. Over 2,600 units were confiscated and not allowed to enter the US.

With the increases in fuel costs, the demand for scooters and motorcycles has dramatically increased in the last year. This has caused many importers to try to make some extra cash by selling products that do not comply with federal regulations.

Maintaining our community safe from terrorist and their weapons of mass destruction is the primary mission of Customs and Border Protection. CBP also has the responsibility of enforcing laws and regulations of other 40 governmental agencies. CBP will continue to ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing imports while facilitating legitimate trade.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.