CBP Finds Incendiary Device in Outbound Mail

Chicago – On Nov. 3, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Chicago made an interesting discovery in outbound mail of a live Vietnam-era military incendiary device that was being shipped to Japan.

CBP officers found the device while examining outbound mail packages. The item was manifested as a “military training dummie” valued at $55 and was being shipped from Missouri to Japan. Prior to initiating seizure, CBP officers spoke with the shipper who indicated that the item was acquired from an estate sale and sold on-line. Based on the officer’s experience, the Chicago Police bomb unit was contacted and subsequently determined that the item was a live incendiary device—a phosphorous-based flare M49A1.

Working with U.S. postal inspectors and the Chicago Police bomb unit, the device was rendered safe and destroyed. The case is under investigation; however, it is not believed that there was harmful intent by the involved parties. 

 “In this instance, a military incendiary device was intercepted by CBP officers thus avoiding a potential catastrophic event,” said David J. Murphy, CBP director of field operations in Chicago. “This seizure further demonstrates CBP’s capabilities, expertise and dedication towards protecting this country from harmful items exiting or entering the country.”

The M49A1 trip flare is an early warning signaling device used to warn of infiltrating troops by illuminating the area surrounding the trip flare. This type of trip flare will provide a light intensity exceeding 35,000 candelas for approximately one minute where it can reach a temperature of almost 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

CBP officers and agriculture specialists are stationed at international mail facilities located throughout the country. CBP conducts enforcement operations on international mail and is on the lookout for any type of contraband or prohibited items being shipped into or out of the U.S.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection 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.