Officials seize over 19,000 counterfeit vape pens
By Terrance Kelly
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ATLANTA (WGCL) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents delivered a blow to counterfeiters hoping to smuggle hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of counterfeit vape pens to the U.S. from China.
According to a spokesperson with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, agents seized 66 boxes of vape pens coming into Atlanta on June 16. The illegal products, officials said, contained ‘Rick and Morty’ branded vape pens and e-cigarettes.
Customs personnel noted the counterfeit products were going to be sold on Georgia streets.
Similar pens properly licensed would have a manufactured suggested retail price of more than $590,000.00.
“One of our primary missions is to intercept merchandise that could pose a serious health risk to the consumer, but this shipment of counterfeit vape pens violated Intellectual Property Rights,” said Paula Rivera, CBP Port Director-Atlanta. “CBP collaborates with many government agencies to enforce laws to protect the health and safety of the consumer and our communities.”
Officials said smuggled products are routinely sold on underground outlets and third-party e-commerce websites. In addition, funds from illegal sales could support organized crime.
To report counterfeit products, visit the website: eallegations.cbp.gov/s
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