JOC Staff | Jan 31, 2013 4:09PM EST
Teams of special agents and officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and state and local police departments nationwide, in partnership with the National Football League and other major sports leagues, have seized more than $13.6 million in fake NFL merchandise during “Operation Red Zone,” according to John Morton, ICE director, and Anastasia Danias, NFL vice president of legal affairs.
The initiative, which commenced Sept. 1, 2012, targeted international shipments of counterfeit merchandise as it entered the United States. Authorities targeted warehouses, stores, flea markets, online vendors and street vendors selling counterfeit game-related sportswear and tickets throughout the country.
Fake jerseys, ball caps, T-shirts, jackets and other souvenirs are among the counterfeit merchandise and clothing confiscated.
