HSI Little Rock seizes $100,000 of counterfeit goods

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) seized more than $100,000 of counterfeit cosmetics, designer handbags and electronics after executing a search warrant at a Conway home Jan. 16. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Conway Police Department assisted HSI with the investigation leading to the seizure.

"Counterfeit products cost law-abiding Americans their jobs and allow criminals to fund illegal activities with black market sales," said Special Agent in Charge of HSI New Orleans Raymond R. Parmer Jr. "Counterfeit cosmetics are a particular danger to the public because of the potential to ingest harmful substances that might be present in an unregulated product." Parmer oversees a five-state area of responsibility including Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

HSI Little Rock began its investigation after receiving information from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service regarding multiple suspicious packages addressed to Vanchello Craig, 33, originating from overseas. On Oct. 22, HSI Little Rock subsequently found two parcels containing counterfeit items in Craig's home during a consensual search of the premises.

On Jan. 14, HSI Little Rock learned Craig was the recipient of another suspicious package. HSI conducted an inspection of the parcel pursuant to its border search authority and discovered additional counterfeit items destined for Craig.

HSI encourages the public to report intellectual property rights violations and related information by calling at 1-866-DHS-2ICE or by visiting www.ICE.gov/tips. For more information, visit www.ice.gov.