Agents seize more than $775,000 worth of counterfeit toys shipped from China

NORFOLK, Va. (WWBT/Gray News) - Authorities in Virginia say they seized hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of counterfeit toys at a Norfolk port.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, agents took in more than $775,000 worth of fraudulent merchandise.

The items, which were destined for an address in Wood County, West Virginia, included:

• 12,191 plush toys
• 1,661 backpacks
• 1,600 music boxes
• 1,430 snow globes
• 552 animal floral arrangements
• 200 rose décor

The seizure took place on Oct. 29 at the Area Port of Norfolk-Newport News.

“As we near the holiday shopping season, we urge parents to remain diligent when buying online or at steep discounts to be sure that the children’s toys, clothes, or accessories you buy don’t pose a serious health and safety threat to your families,” Keri Brady, CBP’s area port director, said.

According to the agency, if the items were authentic, they would have been worth $776,562.