Federal officials have dismantled a vast smuggling network accused of bringing $200 million in illegal goods into the country by bypassing customs inspections at the Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex. Nine individuals, including logistics executives and truck drivers, were charged in connection with the operation, which authorities say involved counterfeit goods, hazardous chemicals, and other contraband.
Feds uncover $200 million smuggling operation tied to China pic.twitter.com/mjTgWfVr9N
— Karli Bonne’ 🇺🇸 (@KarluskaP) January 28, 2025
The scheme relied on obtaining shipping container security codes in advance, which were then used to manufacture fake customs seals overseas. These fraudulent seals, designed to match legitimate U.S. customs tags, were sent to conspirators in the United States who used them to disguise tampered shipments. Instead of delivering flagged containers for government inspection, truck drivers working with the operation diverted them to secret storage facilities.
👉Feds uncover a $200 million smuggling operation tied to China, using the Ports of LA.
drop#1203
Why is the MX border / Long Beach Port so important?
Tick TOCK (LLC).
Q~T edit: Hello Adam. About that poor little black boy at the Standard.
X LINK pic.twitter.com/GwfeA0F0RZ
— Viola Bergeron WILL NOT COMPLY!!!! (@StarSeed_2020) January 28, 2025
Once at the warehouses, the containers were opened, and the illegal merchandise was offloaded. To maintain the illusion of untouched cargo, the containers were repacked with filler items, and the counterfeit seals were applied before the shipments were returned to the port for customs clearance. This method allowed large quantities of fake designer goods, unapproved food products, and potentially dangerous chemicals to flood the U.S. market.
This is a major bust. A $200 million smuggling operation tied to China using the Ports of LA shows just how deep the infiltration runs. It’s not just about illegal goods, it’s about the security of our nation’s ports and the people who depend on them.
— MAG🔫1775🇺🇸 (@Mar50cC5O) January 27, 2025
Federal agents launched an investigation that led to the seizure of more than $130 million in illegal products, including a major bust in June 2024, where $20 million in counterfeit luxury items such as handbags, watches, and perfume were confiscated. Authorities say the operation ran from August 2023 to June 2024 and was responsible for some of the largest contraband shipments intercepted at the port in recent years.
Among those indicted is Weijun Zheng, who is accused of overseeing multiple logistics firms that played a key role in smuggling efforts. Eight other suspects were taken into custody, facing charges of smuggling, conspiracy, and customs violations. Zheng remains at large as officials continue their investigation into additional players involved in the operation.
The case highlights ongoing security challenges at major U.S. ports, where criminal organizations continue to exploit weaknesses in the shipping inspection process. Authorities say further arrests may follow as they work to dismantle the broader network connected to this smuggling ring.
