Authorities seize $100,000 in counterfeit goods in Duluth

by Elizabeth Dunbar, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Police and U.S. Customs officials have seized about $100,000 worth of counterfeit purses and designer clothing from three stores in Duluth.

The owners of New U Clothing Store, Christopher's Clothing and Fred and Mark's Sports World all face charges for allegedly selling the counterfeit merchandise.

According to a news release from Duluth police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the biggest seizure occurred at Fred and Mark's Sports World, where 709 items were confiscated. They included jerseys and T-shirts with trademarks from the NFL, NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball and had an estimated retail value of more than $64,000.

Authorities said they seized 668 items from New U Clothing Store, including fake designer purses with brands like Coach, Dolce and Gabanna and Prada. Fake Nike, Sean Jean and other designer clothing was also seized. And at Christopher's Clothing, authorities say they found fake designer clothing with names like Roca Wear and Lacoste.

The seizures began Oct. 20 and continued through last week.

ICE officials said an estimated 5 to 8 percent of all goods and merchandise sold worldwide are counterfeit.