U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Los Angeles International Airport have seized more than 1,000 replica firearms since the start of fiscal year 2025, the agency announced Tuesday. Of those confiscated, 953 replica firearms, 111 replica suppressors, and 92 abandoned suppressors have already been destroyed.
The shipments, which originated from China, were deliberately mislabeled as “Alloy Miniature Toys” in an attempt to bypass detection, according to CBP. The agency collaborated with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in making the seizures.
Federal law requires toy guns, look-alike firearms, and imitation weapons transported across state lines to have a blaze orange plug or stripe on the barrel to distinguish them from real firearms. Additionally, California Penal Code 12556 prohibits the public display of imitation firearms, which can lead to criminal charges.
CBP officials have emphasized the potential danger of these replica weapons, warning that they could easily be mistaken for real firearms, leading to tragic consequences. Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles, stressed the seriousness of the issue, stating, “If these items were to reach the streets, the consequences could be significant. Replica firearms—even though not always functional—can be easily mistaken for genuine weapons by the public and law enforcement.”
CPSC Acting Chairman Peter Feldman praised the partnership between CBP and the commission, reaffirming their commitment to preventing illegal and dangerous products from entering the U.S. market, particularly from China.
“CBP remains committed to working closely with other law enforcement agencies, including federal, state, and local partners, to combat illegal imports and ensure public safety,” said Andrew H. Douglas, CBP Port Director of Los Angeles International Airport. “By fostering strong relationships with agencies, we enhance intelligence sharing and enforcement efforts.”
CBP remains dedicated to working alongside federal, state, and local law enforcement to keep illegal and unsafe products off the streets and ensure public safety.
