Authorities seized counterfeit items with an estimated value of nearly $860,000 during sweeps at North Carolina A&T State University, Winston-Salem State University and North Carolina Central University during homecoming activities.
The North Carolina Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force’s estimation is based on the price of the real items.
The task force said authorities also seized the items at flea markets and state fairs. They seized counterfeit goods of Labubu, MLB, NFL, NBA, Ray-Ban, Gucci, Rolex, Chanel, Louis Vitton, Polo and Nike.
Specifically, authorities seized more than 500 counterfeit Labubu plush dolls, watches and T-shirts. Some of the dolls had missing or broken parts that could be a choking hazard, according to a release from the North Carolina Secretary of State.
“I know everyone wants to find a bargain, but when you buy counterfeits you are getting poor quality products, many with health and safety issues like loose parts that can be a choking hazard, and you may be funding other dangerous ventures like organized crime, human trafficking, and terrorism,” said North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall. “In addition, you are hurting local communities that rely on sales taxes to fund things like police and fire services.”
“Our alumni, students, fans and others deserve to know they are buying the real thing when coming to an event like Homecoming,” said North Carolina A&T State University Police Chief Robert Hassell. “Just as important is that these counterfeits take away support that our students receive through legitimate purchases of merchandise, royalties from which go exclusively to financial aid.”
Anyone who sees suspected counterfeit safety and health products being sold is asked to report it to the NC Secretary of State’s Office by emailing anticounterfeit@sosnc.gov. Anyone who sees counterfeit goods sold online is asked to take a screenshot and include the link in the email.