TX – Homeland Security is cracking down on the sale of counterfeit goods, flea market shoppers.
On April 2, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas special agents seized $1.3 million in counterfeit goods during the First Monday Trade Days market in Canton, Texas, 60 miles east of Dallas. A news release from ICE is calling it the world’s largest flea market.
Over 1,000 items were confiscated, including several boxes of luxury designer goods such as high-end purses, caps, shoes and sunglasses, the release stated.
Ryan L. Spradlin, special agent in charge of HSI Dallas, noted in the release those who attempt to profit from the selling of counterfeit items will face consequences for their actions. Felony charges are pending for the individuals allegedly selling the counterfeit goods at the Canton market, according to the release.
“The infringement of intellectual property rights is a growing threat to our economic viability that cannot stand,” Spradlin stated in the release.According to the release, the proliferation of counterfeit goods is increasing at an alarming rate often associated with organized crime and groups that pose a risk to public safety and national security. HSI, a directorate of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, focuses on keeping counterfeit products off U.S. streets and dismantling the criminal organizations behind such activity.
