(RightIsRight.co) – When we purchase products made in America, we’re usually confident in the quality of the items. With this, it’s no surprise that China often attempts to create counterfeit products and smuggle them into the US to undermine our nation’s health and economy. Thankfully, however, our customs agents work hard to protect us from these counterfeits, such as the 77,400 vaping pens that crossed our borders last week.
On Tuesday, March 9, investigators at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport found 258 boxes of vape pens that could retail for up to $1.55 million. The pen’s boxes stole pictures from the popular TV show Rick and Morty for their packaging. On top of the copyright violations, the pens also violate FDA guidelines.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shared news about the seizure on Twitter:
Last week, CBP officers in Chicago seized more than 77,000 counterfeit "Rick and Morty" vape pens originating in Shenzhen, China, and headed to a distribution company in Georgia.
Details ▶️ https://t.co/anTv1pfois pic.twitter.com/tHwKkAR0pl
— CBP (@CBP) March 15, 2021
These counterfeit pens were likely heading for underground outlets and e-commerce websites. Items like these are typically peddled by smugglers and those involved in organized crime. By cracking down on counterfeits on our shores, CBP is able to strengthen our nation’s economy while protecting the health and wellbeing of our citizens.
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