Almost $376,000 worth of counterfeit items were seized during a special operation in New Orleans earlier this month.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations seized 384 counterfeit items estimated to be worth $375,925, during its Intellectual Property Rights operation April 1-4, according to an April 5 news release.
"HSI New Orleans and all of our public and private sector partners are committed to ensuring that fans receive only genuine, high-quality officially licensed merchandise," Jeb Bison, HSI New Orleans deputy special agent in charge said in the news release. "Large-scale events like the NCAA championships provide opportunities for transnational criminal organizations to profit from illicit activity. Our goal is to disrupt this activity and protect consumers."
The operation occurred during the Final Four NCAA championships in New Orleans that weekend, according to the news release. HSI New Orleans special agents joined operatives from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation to investigate local retail outlets, flea markets and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. Agents located and seized unlicensed jerseys, cell-phone accessories, hats and "hundreds of other bogus items prepared to be sold to unsuspecting consumers," the news release said.
It's the job of HSI special agents to investigate and enforce federal trademark, patent laws and copyright, according to the release. The focus of HSI's commercial fraud program is on commercial imports, which often make it into the country based on deceptive business practices and false statements.
Production and trafficking of counterfeit goods also "poses a significant risk and safety threats to consumers" and hinders economic growth of legitimate businesses and consumers in downtime, lost revenue and replacement costs, the release reported.
"My office and I will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the citizens of Louisiana and those who visit our great state," Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry said in the release. "I remain committed to making Louisiana the best place to live, work, worship and raise a family."
