Federal officials recently seized 47,490 counterfeit Cialis pills and 10,117 knock-off shoes, handbags and other apparel items at the Long Beach and Los Angeles Port complex, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced Monday.
The seizures included merchandise mimicking brands such as Christian Dior, Versace, Gucci, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Nike. In all, the counterfeit apparel and erectile dysfunction pills would have been worth over $12 million if genuine, according to a Customs and Border Protection statement.
Federal officials said they found the items in a container shipment from China.
Customs officers worked with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations agents to seize the goods, which were then turned over to the LAPD’s commercial crimes and counterfeit pharmaceuticals units for more investigation.
Together, the agencies, “form a united front against transnational criminal organizations who attempt to smuggle counterfeit goods that can threaten the health and safety of U.S. consumers, as well as the competitiveness of American businesses,” said Carlos C. Martel, Customs and Border Protection’s Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles.
In its announcement, Customs and Border Protection offered the following tips for consumers to avoid being tricked into buying counterfeit goods:
- Purchase goods directly from the trademark holder or from authorized retailers.
- When shopping online, read seller reviews and check for a working U.S. phone number and address that can be used to contact the seller.
- Review CBP’s E-Commerce Counterfeit Awareness Guide for Consumers.
- Remember that if the price of a product seems too good to be true, it probably is.