Katrina victims get fake goods
2005-09-06 21:17
Washington - The Yves St Laurent and Tommy Hilfiger labels may be fake, but the thousands of Hurricane Katrina victims getting counterfeit items seized by federal customs officials probably do not mind.
Displaced survivors in the Houston Astrodome can choose from counterfeit and abandoned clothing, toys, and even dog food.
More than 100 000 items were quickly taken from warehouses and more will follow, said Kristi Clemens, spokesperson for the department of homeland security's customs and border protection division.
The agency has some one million items stored, and customs officials are going through their inventory to see what else would be useful. While the initial shipment went to Texas, officials are looking toward a wider distribution, Clemens said.
Many needed items
For humans, virtually anything that you can wear is available: underwear, jeans, baseball caps, T-shirts, shoes and socks. For dogs: much needed food. For children, toys. For everyone: clean sheets and blankets.
Clemens said officials are looking for locations to deliver items in Louisiana and Mississippi, and then will scout for shelters in other states.
American businesses lose up to $250bn annually from counterfeit goods, according to figures released in a senate hearing. Federal officials seized $138m in counterfeited goods last year, up from $94m in 2003.
Counterfeit clothing currently accounts for about 18% of seized items.
Law enforcement officials and other experts have testified that counterfeit clothing and other goods have been traced to supporters of terror organisations.
Most counterfeit items come from China, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan and Russia, according to customs officials.
- AP