CHICAGO - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Chicago seized more than $3 million worth of illegal human growth hormones and steroids during a series of air cargo inspections last month.
What we know:
Officers intercepted 351 shipments totaling 455 pounds of unapproved substances, many of which originated in China and were destined for cities across the U.S., according to CBP.
Authorities said the items were hidden in large shipping cartons containing smaller, unmanifested packages that had already been labeled for domestic delivery.
What they're saying:
Officials warned that the substances pose serious health risks and are illegal to import without proper authorization.
"Consumers who purchase these products should stop this activity as it is dangerous," said Michael Pfeiffer, CBP’s senior officer at the Chicago Field Office. "The ingredients are unverified and may not have the appropriate regulatory certification required for sale in the U.S. Do you want to put your health or your child’s health in jeopardy because you think you found a good deal?"
Dangerous side effects:
Authorities said misuse of these substances can lead to severe side effects, including cardiovascular disease, organ damage, hormonal imbalances and increased cancer risk.
The Source: The information in this report came from U.S. Customs and Border Protection