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El Paso, TX--U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the El Paso port of entry seized a shipment of counterfeit luxury jewelry on April 9. According to Texas Border Business, the intercepted consignment, shipped initially from China, was destined for a residence in El Paso and contained 1,708 items, including rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces.

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According to the report, the counterfeit goods were designed to imitate the “Alhambra” collection by the luxury brand Van Cleef & Arpels. Had the items been authentic, the manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the seized merchandise would have been estimated at $9,222,800. CBP collaborated with the trademark holder to confirm that the items were not genuine, and the seizure was officially authorized on April 21.

The shipment was declared to contain accessories and bracelets with a stated value of $15,480. The investigation into the case is ongoing.

Hector Mancha, Director of Field Operations for CBP El Paso, stated that CBP inspections help protect U.S. consumers and businesses from counterfeit products, which may contribute to illicit activities such as money laundering, forced labor, and organized crime. He added that counterfeit goods often cost U.S. companies billions of dollars annually and undermine job creation and tax revenue.

CBP advised consumers to avoid purchasing counterfeit products by buying directly from brand owners or authorized retailers and staying cautious of unusually low prices. The agency also encouraged the public to consult its E-Commerce Counterfeit Awareness Guide for Consumers and The Truth Behind Counterfeits page for more information.

Learn more in this report by Texas Border Business.