The counterfeit cigarettes were from Vietnam and have an estimated street value of around $729,000.
LAREDO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Laredo Port of Entry stopped a smuggling attempt of counterfeit cigarettes over the weekend.
The phony smokes are valued at more than $729,000 went up in smoke after officials intercepted and seized the shipment this weekend.
The cigarettes from Vietnam first arrived in the U.S. at Miami Seaport, and CBP officers placed a hold on the shipment and detained it once it arrived in Laredo.
Officials determined that the 17,500 cartons of cigarettes had counterfeit marks, and seized the shipment on April 25.
“Our CBP officers and import specialists continue to maintain their vigilance and exercise due diligence to ensure that fake goods do not enter U.S. commerce,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “They utilize their training, experience and information from the registered trademark owners to authenticate imported merchandise and when they encounter counterfeits to promptly detain and seize such items, thereby protecting the U.S. economy and the consumer.”
The total Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price value of the shipment would have been $729,400 if they had been genuine.
US Customs and Border Protection has the authority to detain, seize, forfeit, and ultimately destroy imported merchandise if it bears an infringing trademark or copyright that has been registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office. Other violations can include misclassification of merchandise, false country-of-origin markings, health and safety issues, and valuation issues.
If you have information about counterfeit merchandise being illegally imported into the U.S., officials encourage you to submit an E-Allegation.