U.S. Customs Seizes $729K Counterfeit Cigarettes at Laredo

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry seized a shipment of 17,500 cartons of counterfeit cigarettes, valued at over $729,000, that originated from Vietnam and arrived via Miami Seaport. The cigarettes were determined to bear counterfeit marks following a thorough examination by CBP officers and import specialists. CBP has the authority to detain, seize, and destroy such counterfeit goods to protect both the U.S. economy and consumers. Port Director Albert Flores emphasized the vigilance and diligence of CBP officers in preventing fake goods from entering U.S. commerce and highlighted the collaboration with trademark owners in identifying counterfeit products. Importing counterfeit or pirated merchandise is illegal, and violators may face fines even if the import was unintentional.