Counterfeiters Sent Packing

BRAMPTON, ON, Oct. 2 /CNW/ - RCMP Investigators from the Federal Enforcement Sections of the Hamilton Niagara Regional Detachment and the Greater Toronto Area Detachments executed three Search Warrants and seized numerous types of counterfeit sports clothing.

As a result the investigation, RCMP investigators identified several merchants at the Vendors Flea Market in Brampton as well as at the Mississauga Flea Market that were allegedly selling counterfeit clothing for a fraction of the retail price of genuine copyrighted clothing. The vendors had for sale NBA, NFL, and NHL branded jerseys, hats and other gear made to look genuine.

The officers were also able to identify a storage unit in Don Mills that was being used to house their contraband products and supply their outlets. A search executed today at this storage unit revealed garbage bags full of similar products, sorted and ready for distribution.

The RCMP seized approximately 3,500 items of clothing valued at over $500,000.00 and arrested one individual that is being held in custody pending a bail hearing.

"It takes the strong moral fabric of some communities to stand up to these crimes because everyone likes a bargain. But, when legitimate manufacturers and retail outlets in our communities are forced out of business by organized crime, we all lose," said Sgt. Kevin Serniuk in charge of the RCMP Hamilton Niagara Regional Detachment Federal Enforcement Section.

The investigation is ongoing.

For further information: Media Enquiries: Marc LaPorte, Sgt, RCMP "O" Division (Ontario), Division Media Relations Coordinator, Office: [phone], Cell: [phone], e-mail: [email protected]