INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers say they have seen a 55% increase in fake goods coming into the area since last year.
Officers say people are shipping items like fake luxury bags, clothing and over the counter goods from overseas to try to scam you.
Nearly 8,000 of these items worth more than $115 million were seized in the Indy area.
The agency urges you to pay attention to what you are buying especially because these fake items could put your health at risk with cancer-causing chemicals.
"The clothing could be harmful because of the dyes. Shoes can be harmful for your feet because they aren't actually designed the way are supposed to be designed and any beauty products — [we're] talking makeup or Botox lip fillers or anything like that or prescription drugs — they are not protected by the United States agencies saying this is real," said Timothy Hubbard, CBP Indianapolis Chief Officers.
Officers also seized nearly 10,000 pounds of drugs — double the amount from last year. Some of those drugs were transported in items like a stuffed bear.
Customs and Border Protection tells WRTV the top three drugs coming into Indianapolis are marijuana, ecstasy and meth.
-
Irvington plans new artist residency and maker space
A once-blighted building in Irvington could soon become a hub for artists and the community if a local business owner’s vision comes to life.
Carmel weighs new rules as e-bikes raise safety concerns on Monon Trail
The growing popularity of electric bikes on the Monon Trail has some Carmel residents calling for more safety measures.
Avon school employee fired after handgun found in classroom closet
An Avon Community School Corporation employee has been fired after a handgun was discovered in a classroom closet at Hickory Elementary School, according to district officials.
Mental health facility closing amid pending lawsuits
A Lawrence mental health facility facing multiple lawsuits by former patients will soon close its doors for good.
