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Feds seize fake Gucci, Chanel products, erectile dysfunction pills at LA airport

Federal agents seized thousands of fake Gucci, Chanel and other high-fashion products at Los Angeles International Airport last month, along with thousands of erectile dysfunction pills, customs officials said.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the airport discovered 3,524 counterfeit designer handbags, shoes, sunglasses and watches from brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Versace, Gucci, Fendi, Nike, Under Armor, Adidas, Cartier, YSL and others in an air express shipment coming from Hong Kong, the agency said in a news release on Monday.

Agents also seized 2,160 pills of Sildenafil, a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction; and 4,500 pills of Ranitidine Hydrochloride, which is used to treat and prevent stomach ulcers.

“If genuine, the seized merchandise would have had an estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,884,769,” CBP said in its release.

Agents discovered the counterfeit products while conducting an enforcement exam on a shipment of 99 boxes that weighed 3,827 pounds and arrived June 25, the CBP said. The shipment was labeled “Ladies Tops Storage Bag Empty” on the delivery manifest.

“Trade in illegitimate goods is associated with smuggling and other criminal activities, and often funds criminal enterprises,” Carlos C. Martel, CBP director of field operations in Los Angeles, said in a statement. “CBP officers and import specialists remain vigilant in detecting, intercepting and seizing illegitimate products and enforcing all trade laws.”