US police seize fake perfumes after traffic stop

Police in Ohio seized 1,500 bottles of counterfeit cologne and perfume and made three arrests after stopping a van for speeding.

Officers became suspicious after stopping the three men for speeding in Ohio and called for a drug-sniffing dog to help investigate the van. The dog found almost 1,500 bottles of fake cologne and perfume with an estimated value of $75,000, Fox8 reports.

After discovering the boxes - which hid fake versions of several different brands of perfume - police arrested the three men. Each of the men now faces up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000 if convicted of trademark counterfeiting and criminal simulation.

Last year US Customs and Border Protection officials seized counterfeit perfumes worth $51m, with knock-off versions of the 'Sex in the City' scent being the most commonly faked item. US officials also discovered more than 30 groups involved with the importation of counterfeit perfumes.