US officials seize $13.6M in phoney Super Bowl merchandize, other sports goods

Michael Kunzelman, The Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS - A federal law-enforcement official says investigators have confiscated more than $13.6 million worth of phoney sports merchandise over the past five months and expect to seize more in New Orleans during Super Bowl week.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director John Morton said Thursday that authorities also have shut down more than 300 websites selling counterfeit goods as part of an enforcement effort dubbed "Operation Red Zone."

Morton says the operation targeted international shipments of NFL jerseys, hats and other souvenirs entering the U.S. for sale by stores, flea markets and street vendors.

Morton says agents also will be on the streets of New Orleans to crack down on the sale of counterfeit merchandise before Sunday's Super Bowl matchup.