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.
-
Hoosiers across Indy metro protest immigration enforcement in Indiana
There have been major developments in Indiana regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement this week, sparking protests across the city.
Comedian and Indianapolis native Mike Epps opens boxing gym on north side
Actor and comedian Mike Epps is opening a new boxing gym on the north side of Indianapolis. The Right Jab Boxing Gym is on Sutherland Avenue near 38th Street and East Fall Creek Parkway North Drive.
New Teachers' Treasures location to open on campus of North Central H.S.
A new Teachers' Treasures location will open on the campus of North Central High School in April, providing educators with access to free classroom supplies without spending their own money.
Ice jams and muddy fields: The impact of melting ice and snow in Indiana
A lot of snow and ice has melted across Central Indiana this week. Beyond the impact of feeling more like spring, this melting has impacts on Indiana waterways and farm fields.
