CBP May Be Missing Opportunities to Interdict Illicit Drugs and Contraband in the Cruise Environment - Law Enforcement Sensitive

Title Full

Date Issued

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Submitting OIG

Department of Homeland Security OIG

Agencies Reviewed/Investigated

Department of Homeland Security

Report Number

OIG-25-48

Report Description

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) conducts minimal secondary inspections on passengers and crew disembarking cruise ships to prevent illicit drugs and contraband from entering the United States. As a result, CBP may be missing opportunities to interdict these items, which could adversely affect public health and safety.

Report Type

Audit

Agency Wide

Yes

Number of Recommendations

Questioned Costs

Funds for Better Use

Report updated under NDAA 5274

External Entity

https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2025-09/OIG-25-48-Sep25-Redacted.pdf

External Link

https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2025-09/OIG-25-48-Sep25-Reda…

Open Recommendations

This report has 1 open recommendations.

Recommendation Number	Significant Recommendation	Recommended Questioned Costs	Recommended Funds for Better Use	Additional Details
1	No	$0	$0
We recommend the Executive Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Field Operations to enhance the existing process by conducting a documented semiannual review to ensure the daily risk assessments in the cruise ship environment remain effective. This semiannual review should include a thorough review of risk assessment methodologies, data quality, and operation effectiveness.