$3.4 Million in Fake Designer Goods Seized at LAX

Source: CBPLAX via Fox
In an increasing effort to crack down on counterfeit luxury goods, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced thousands of fake designer goods were recently seized at Los Angeles International Airport.
According to Fox News, the 5,300 items included fake designer goods such Gucci belts, Hermes and Louis Vuitton handbags, and Nike shoes.

"@CBPLosAngeles protects businesses and consumers every day through an aggressive intellectual property rights program," said Carlos C. Martel CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. $3.4 Million of counterfeit items seized. See complete story: https://t.co/FOllOyVmE0 pic.twitter.com/xfTpdisaQ5

— CBP Los Angeles (@CBPLosAngeles) August 14, 2019

The items were flown in from Hong Kong, with Fox News reporting the goods would be worth more than $3.4 million if genuine.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection revealed the seized goods included, “1,242 counterfeit Gucci belts, 678 pairs of counterfeit Nike shoes, 531 counterfeit Louis Vuitton handbags, 500 counterfeit Samsung adapters, 502 counterfeit Gucci fanny packs, 230 counterfeit Hermes handbags, 192 counterfeit Casio Shock watches, 144 counterfeit Ferragamo belts, 100 counterfeit Versace belts and 119 counterfeit Fendi shorts.”

WARNING: Counterfeit power adaptors pose a serious risk to consumers – they may overheat, cause electric shocks and even catch fire. @CBPLosAngeles at LAX recently seized 500 counterfeit Samsung adaptors.
See full story: https://t.co/FOllOyVmE0 pic.twitter.com/E14hs3aNMT

— CBP Los Angeles (@CBPLosAngeles) August 14, 2019

“The American public should be aware that buying a counterfeit product is a lose-lose proposition, because the money they paid often funds criminal enterprises,” Fox News report LAX’s CBP Port Director Donald R. Kusser as saying. “In addition, buyers get a substandard low-quality product, containing unknown chemicals and likely produced under inhumane conditions.”
The CBP wants to remind consumers, “It is illegal to purchase counterfeit goods. Bringing them into the United States may result in civil or criminal penalties. Purchasing counterfeit goods supports criminal activities such as money laundering and trafficking in illegal guns and drugs. Remember, if it seems like a steal, it is.”