Last week, US Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted two packages at O’Hare’s International Mail Branch, discovering a substantial haul of counterfeit designer apparel amounting to 614 pieces.
The CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise verified the items as counterfeit, and their estimated retail value, if genuine, would have reached an astounding US $ 795,175.
The initial shipment originating from Thailand was carefully inspected by officers. Within the shipment, they discovered 565 pieces of jewelry, handbags, and other apparel adorned with the logos of renowned luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Burberry, Prada, and Van Cleef & Arpels.
The items were en route to a residence in Ohio, and had they been authentic, their combined retail value would have reached US $ 689,160. In a separate incident, a second shipment, also originating from Thailand, was intercepted. This particular shipment was destined for a residence in Dallas, Texas.
According to authorities, both shipments were confiscated due to the infringement on the protected trademarks of the respective designers. LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, the Director of Field Operations at the Chicago Field Office, highlighted CBP’s substantial progress in improving detection capabilities, information sharing, and partnerships, crucial in deterring the entry of hazardous shipments.
CBP is urging individuals with information about illegally imported counterfeit merchandise into the United States to utilise the e-Allegation system for reporting.
