On July 30, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Cincinnati intercepted 817 shipments of counterfeit batons destined to individuals throughout the United States. Each baton carries a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $150 had the product been genuine.

The batons, which were labeled to appear to be products of legitimate suppliers such as 511 Tactical and Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP), were being imported through a freight forwarder in Illinois and had originated in Shenzhen, China. They were manifested as “selfie sticks,” and “window breakers.” Accompanying the batons were potentially dangerous accessories such as spear tips.

“Our officers are very familiar with the many ways smugglers try to evade inspection,” said Cincinnati Port Director Richard Gillespie. “A concern is that these parcels were mis-manifested, which is a tactic smugglers use when a shipment is going to be used for nefarious activities. We are committed to protecting the health and safety of our law-abiding citizens and our law enforcement counterparts.”

Trade in counterfeit and pirated goods is associated with smuggling and other criminal activities and often funds criminal enterprises. CBP protects the intellectual property rights of American businesses, safeguarding them from unfair competition and use for malicious intent while upholding American innovation and ingenuity.

CBP conducts operations at ports of entry throughout the United States, and regularly screens arriving international passengers and cargo for narcotics, weapons, and other restricted or prohibited products. CBP strives to serve as the premier law enforcement agency enhancing the Nation’s safety, security, and prosperity through collaboration, innovation, and integration.