Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in Louisville, Kentucky, seized counterfeit jewelry worth $27 million during January, the agency announced on Thursday.
A total of 28 shipments containing fake designer jewelry were intercepted, with a combined value of over $975,000 if the items were authentic. The seized goods included counterfeit watches, bracelets, rings, necklaces, and earrings, primarily from Hong Kong and China. The items were en route to various locations across the U.S.
LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director of field operations for CBP’s Chicago office, stated, “Counterfeit goods are low-quality products that cost U.S. businesses billions annually, while also taking away jobs and tax revenue.”
This seizure adds to a series of similar busts by CBP. In New York, agents seized $30 million worth of fake Tiffany jewelry between December 2024 and early January. The counterfeit necklaces, which appeared high-quality, featured fake Tiffany labels intended to inflate their value.
“CBP continues to play a crucial role in protecting consumers and businesses from the importation of fraudulent merchandise,” said Steve Bronson, director of the Champlain Port.
On January 29, CBP also reported seizing $5 million worth of counterfeit goods in Indiana and issued a warning to U.S. consumers as Valentine’s Day approaches.
Additionally, officials have seized $40 million in counterfeit merchandise related to the upcoming Super Bowl in New Orleans, urging consumers to be cautious, especially when purchasing tickets for the game.
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