US Customs intercepts $27 million in counterfeit jewelry at Kentucky airport

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Louisville intercepted 28 shipments of counterfeit designer jewelry in January.

A news release said the seized shipments contained fake designer jewelry such as watches, bracelets, and rings. The items came primarily from China and Hong Kong, destined for locations across the U.S., according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

If the jewelry had been authentic, it would have been worth more than $27 million. 

“Counterfeit goods are poor quality products that cost U.S. businesses billions of dollars a year while robbing our country of jobs and tax revenues,” director of field operations at the Chicago field office, LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, said. “CBP officers throughout my field offices remain committed to stopping counterfeit smuggling, taking profits from organized crime, and helping protect our communities from potentially hazardous knockoffs.”

CBP said shipments seized from China and Hong Kong made up about 90% of items seized in 2024.

“Our officers are highly skilled at identifying packages that represent a higher level of risk through visual examination, based on their knowledge and awareness of ever-changing trends employed by the individuals and organizations seeking to illegally import contraband,” Louisville’s Port Director Philip Onken said.