Nearly $3 billion in designer dupes, counterfeit goods seized by CBP

Raymond Bell, a supervisory officer with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and his team, were granted rare access for 13 Investigates as they scanned and searched incoming shipments at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and the Port of Houston for counterfeit goods.

CBP has observed a surge in counterfeit goods entering the U.S., including designer dupes, dangerous toys, fake contacts, prescription medication, and other items.

In fiscal year 2022, CBP seized $2.98 billion in counterfeit goods, nearly doubling from $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2019. The agency is actively working to identify and prevent the entry of counterfeit products that pose risks to consumers and impact legitimate businesses.

The rise of sophisticated counterfeiting methods makes it challenging for CBP officers to distinguish fake items from genuine ones, emphasizing the need for vigilance in protecting consumers and upholding intellectual property rights.