C.B.P. News Release

CBP Officers at Newark Seaport Seize $10 Million in Counterfeits

(Friday, June 26, 2009)

Newark, N.J. — Customs and Border Protection officers at the Newark, N.J. seaport this week seized several shipments of counterfeit goods that had an appraised value of more than $1.6 million, and a retail value of over $10 million.

Six shipments, which arrived on Monday and Tuesday in separate containers from China, were selected for examination for possible trademark violations. The merchandise ranged from Nike’s Air Jordan and Air Force One sneakers to high-end handbags from Coach, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Dolce & Gabanna. Other items seized were Gucci shoes and belts.

Part of the shipment of counterfeit goods seized by CBP officers at the Newark, N.J. seaport.

The merchandise, which violates intellectual property rights regulations, where manifested as paper boxes, stuffed bears, acrylic rugs and furniture. The cargo was destined for several locations in the New York, South Carolina and Georgia.

CBP has forged significant partnerships while enforcing the intellectual property statutes; it works closely with private industry, U.S. government agencies and foreign governments to stem the flow of illegal goods to protect consumers and the economy.

“Stemming the flow of imported counterfeit and pirated goods remains a high priority for the agencyâ€