Customs and Border Protection officers seize fake licenses from Delaware and other states

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized nearly 500 counterfeit state drivers’ licenses from Delaware and other areas. The licenses were found in  international air cargo that has  arrived in Philadelphia since May.

CBP officers seized the latest shipment, consisting of counterfeit Connecticut and Nigerian driver’s licenses August 15. 

In addition to Connecticut, the fake ID’s included licenses from more than 20 states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Washington state, Florida, Vermont, and others.  The fake IDs  were shipped from locations in Canada, China, and from countries in southwest Asia.

“Counterfeit drivers licenses have historically been used by those under 21 years of age for the illegal consumption of alcohol, but fake IDs have also been used in criminal enterprises, such as identity theft cases and immigration fraud,” said Casey Durst, CBP director of the Baltimore Field Office.  “Customs and Border Protection officers will continue to exercise extraordinary vigilance during trade enforcement operations and we remain committed to the safety and security of our nation every day.”

The quality of the licenses ranges from obvious fakes to very good quality that can be scanned with barcode readers.

The licenses have been turned over to state and university police investigators.  The remaining licenses will be destroyed.