People counting on buying last-minute perfume for their sweetheart today for Valentine’s Day may want to look in department stores instead of road stops after Los Angeles border patrol agents announced the seizure of more than $31 million worth of fake perfume.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport complex have seized 475,056 bottles of imported perfume bearing counterfeit trademarks in the recent months leading up to the holiday, officials announced this week.
If genuine, the seized perfumes have an estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price of more than $31 million, authorities said.
From October 2017 until January, officials intercepted 11 shipments containing counterfeit and “confusingly similar” fragrances in violation of the registered trademarks belonging to 34 top name brands.
Counterfeit brands included Giorgio Armani, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Coach, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Guess, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Versace, Victoria’s Secret and Perry Ellis among others, authorities said.
“These interceptions attest CBP officers and import specialists’ extraordinary vigilance and keen expertise in detecting, intercepting and seizing dangerous imports,” said Carlos C. Martel, CBP director of field operations in Los Angeles.
“The theft of intellectual property and trade in fake goods threaten America’s economic vitality and national security, and the American people’s health and safety.”
