Watch CBS News

Counterfeit Louis Vuitton, Nike, North Face Seized In Detroit Raid

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Immigration and Homeland Security agents have arrested two people and seized 6,000 pieces of counterfeit clothing and other fake items from a shop in Detroit.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said Monday that the items were taken from The Source II Urban Wear on Woodward Ave. after multiple undercover buys.

Merchandise labeled as Nike sneakers, Louis Vuitton purses and North Face are some of the fake items seized Thursday. Agents also seized $47,000, a stolen handgun and other merchandise from the shop owner's home in Southfield.

The most popular counterfeit products seized each year include headphones, sports jerseys, personal care products, shoes, toys, luxury goods, cell phones and electronic accessories, officials say.

Source2
(credit: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) )

Officials say the sale of such items picks up at shops, on street corners and online during the Christmas holiday.

"At this time of year, counterfeit traffickers often exploit the enthusiasm of consumers looking for good deals," Homeland Security Investigations special agent Marlon Miller said in a statement. "We urge consumers to do their homework and find out if they're buying from legitimate retailers.

"The sad reality is that there is little or no recourse for people who are scammed by counterfeiter merchandise traffickers."

The shop's owner, Cerhue Walker, was arrested and charged with trafficking counterfeit goods. A second suspect, Latrice Walker, was also arrested at the Detroit store.

This latest bust comes about a week since a similar seizure at Dollar Castle in Eastpointe.

Detroit, Trenton and Troy police and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are assisting in the ongoing investigation.

TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.