Shipment Of Counterfeit Watches, Accessories That Would Be Worth Nearly $20 Million Seized By CBP

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently intercepted a shipment of counterfeit luxury watches and accessories that would have been worth nearly $20 million if genuine.

CBP officers at the Port of Cincinnati on June 3 inspected a shipment from Colombia, destined for an address in Puerto Rico, and discovered more than 100 accessories.

In total, the package contained 44 various Rolex watch models, four Richard Mille watches, 10 Cartier watches, 20 hats from Prada, ALO, Gucci, and Coach, and 62 pairs of designer branded sunglasses and glasses. The CBP’s trade experts at the Centers of Excellence and Expertise determined all of the items were counterfeit.

Had the counterfeit items been genuine, they would have had a total Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of more than $19.26 million.

“The trade of fake goods, and the widespread violation of private intellectual property rights threaten the American economy, as well as our national security,” said Cincinnati Port Director, Eric Zizelman “We will continue to put substantial efforts and resources into protecting our economy and American consumers, as well as securing our homeland and keeping our families safe.”