(WWJ) Federal officials are hailing a big bust at the Michigan/Canadian border.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), agents posted at the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron earlier this month intercepted a hefty shipment of counterfeit designer purses and apparel valued at more than $21,000.
Officials say the goods — identified in a commercial conveyance shipment labeled as "clothes bags" — included phony Gucci shirts and Victoria Secret underwear, as well as numerous handbags bearing marks such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Gucci and Versace.
USCBP
USCBP
CBP said the items, which were actually pretty poor quality, were seized on site.
"This is a great example of the work our officers do to protect consumers and the U.S. economy," said John Nowak, Acting Port Director in Port Huron.
USCBP
USCBP
Commonly, officials say these goods are sold in underground outlets and on third party e-commerce websites. Counterfeit commodities often fund smugglers and members of organized crime. Sold online and in stores, counterfeit goods hurt the U.S. economy, cost Americans their jobs, threaten consumer health and safety, and fund criminal activity.
It's not clear if anyone may face charges in connection with this particular bust.
Nationwide in Fiscal Year 2020, CBP seized 26,503 shipments containing goods that violated intellectual property rights. The total estimated value of the seized goods, had they been genuine, was nearly $1.3 billion. CBP has established an educational initiative to raise consumer awareness about the consequences and dangers that are often associated with the purchase of counterfeit and pirated goods.
Information about the Truth Behind Counterfeits public awareness campaign can be found at https://www.cbp.gov/FakeGoodsRealDangers.
