Flea market raid nets $1.3m in suspected counterfeit goods

Anticounterfeit efforts tend to concentrate on online sources these days, but bricks-and-mortar marketplaces remain a good target for law enforcement.

Clear evidence for that has come from a raid earlier this month at the First Monday Trade Days flea market in Canton, Texas, which claims to be the biggest market of its kind worldwide. The operation led to the seizure of more than 1,000 suspected fake items, including several boxes of luxury designer goods such as high-end purses, caps, shoes and sunglasses.

The haul – valued at around $1.3m at manufacturers' recommended selling prices – included knock-offs of Gucci and Louis Vuitton goods amongst others.

The operation was spearheaded by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas special agents with the help of Canton Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division and industry experts.

Felony charges are pending for the individuals allegedly selling the counterfeit goods, according to Tonda Currey, Van Zandt County district attorney.