Thousands of counterfeit Barbie dolls seized at International Falls border
Border agents seized thousands of counterfeit dolls and toys at the International Falls Port of Entry this week.
Agents searched a pair of rail containers prior to their arrival in Ranier, Minnesota, just across the border from Canada on Sept. 10.
Inside, they found 2,459 die-cast toys that contain lead levels above the legal threshold for the U.S.
Another container contained 5,460 knock-off Barbie dolls bearing "copyright protected markings" that violate intellectual property laws.
The combined retail value of the dolls is estimated at $139,145.
"CBP is focused on identifying and intercepting counterfeit merchandise and products as well as products that violate consumer safety standards," said Anthony Jackson, International Falls Port Director, in a press release this week.
"The enforcement of trade laws at U.S. ports of entry remains a high priority for us."
The border agency said that counterfeit merchandise damages the U.S. economy and threatens the health of American consumers.
