CBP Seizes Stolen $237K Tractor Dozer Bound For Ghana At Port Of Baltimore

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Baltimore intercepted a stolen Caterpillar D8T tractor dozer valued at about $237,000 on September 3, stopping its illegal export to Ghana.

The heavy equipment was undergoing a routine export inspection when officers noticed the vehicle identification number (VIN) matched an active theft report from Carroll County, Maryland. The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed the report was still valid, leading CBP to seize the dozer.

Baltimore’s CBP officers are among the busiest in the country when it comes to stopping stolen vehicle shipments. On a daily basis, they come across everything from sedans and SUVs to vans and pickup trucks. Occasionally, they find unusual cases, such as the intercepted tractor dozer.

Ghana has emerged as one of the most common destinations for stolen vehicles. CBP data shows that out of 250 stolen vehicles intercepted by the Baltimore Field Office last year, about 60% or 151 vehicles were headed to West African nations. Of those, 28 shipments were bound for Ghana.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported a 17% decline in auto theft cases last year, attributing the drop to preventive measures adopted by carmakers, insurers, private vehicle owners and rental companies.

However, CBP officers nationwide continue to report an increase in stolen vehicles attempting to leave U.S. ports. In 2024, officers across all U.S. ports recovered 1,445 stolen vehicles, about 10% higher than in 2023 and a sharp 81% rise compared to 2021.

Reference: US CBP

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