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Saturday, September 7, 2013
Federal authorities say customs agents have seized counterfeit goods from dozens of vendors at an Alabama flea market.
About 100 agents from Homeland Security Investigations, along with state and local agencies, started seizing handbags, shoes, hats and more around 8am Saturday morning. Investigators have been working on the case for months and say the merchandise was being sold under counterfeit brand names.
Agency spokesman Bryan Cox says goods have been confiscated from about 50 vendors at the Santuck Flea Market in Wetumpka. Cox says this could be the biggest bust of counterfeit items in Alabama history.
Cox says the bust resulted from a months-long investigation. The flea market remained open as agents shut down individual vendors.
At least two people were arrested for being in the country illegally.
Cox explained that first time offenders caught selling fake merchandise usually aren't prosecuted, but the decision is up to the US Attorney's Office.
Fake merchandise is a big deal to federal authorities. Cox explained that the counterfeit rings are often times traced back to criminals using the money for drugs, gangs and terrorism. Cox said they take it seriously because it could be an issue of national security.
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Keywords: Federal authorities, counterfeit goods ,Alabama flea market,Homeland Security InvestigationsSantuck Flea Market ,Wetumpka Al.,
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