California Customs and Border Protection Officers Seize $22 Million in Counterfeit Imported Merchandise

California Customs and Border Protection Officers Seize $22 Million in Counterfeit Imported Merchandise

(Tuesday, May 20, 2008)

contacts for this news release

Oakland, Calif. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the seizure of approximately $22,740,000 Manufactured Suggested Retail Price ($623,540 Domestic Value) in merchandise from China, at the Oakland Seaport.

On May 9, 2008, CBP officers inspected shipping containers, which had recently been unladen off the M/V Kota Salam arriving from China. The goods were manifested as luggage, but inspection of the cargo by CBP officers revealed counterfeit Gucci, Prada, Jimmy Choo, Bulgari, Cartier, Chanel, Versace, Juicy Couture and other fraudulent brand name merchandise. Labels for various designers were also found hidden three suitcases deep (one inside the other). These labels are normally tagged onto a cheaply made product to make it seem as though it is an authentic item.