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.
-
Lilly Endowment investing in kids and families through Early Years Initiative
Early Learning Indiana is a nonprofit organization focused on making sure kids have the skills they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. 68 organizations recently joined the initiative.Surgeon General urging cancer warning labels be added to alcoholic beverages
A new advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General warns alcohol has a direct link to seven types of cancer.New Pharmacy provides low-cost prescriptions to Hoosiers in Decatur Township
Damar Health Services accepts all forms of insurance, including Medicaid or Medicare plans, and Hoosiers without insurance.Snow Day? Here's how area school systems will decide whether to cancel classes
Indianapolis Public Schools tell WRTV it will wait until Sunday evening or Monday morning to make its call on when students return to class.