$1.5M in Fake Goods Seized in North Point Flea Market Raid

Baltimore County Police Department officials estimate that about $1.5 million worth of counterfeit goods was seized when multiple search warrants were served at the Plaza Flea Market Dundalk in February.

During the Feb. 16 raid that targeted specific vendors, detectives seized more than 4,000 pairs of counterfeit shoes and more than 3,500 fake phone accessories, according to a statement from the police department.

Shirts, jackets, movies, compact discs, sunglasses, jewelry, clothing and purses were also seized.

Charges are pending against 19 individuals, according to the statement.

The trickle-down effects of the marketing of counterfeit goods are numerous, police officials said.

Consumer safety can be compromised because the goods aren't subjected to the same safety standards as legitimate merchandise—they may contain toxic ingredients or may be poorly manufactured, officials said.

The owners of the legitimate brand trademark lose money, and local retailers may lose business because consumers buy the cheaper fake goods instead of the more expensive, legitimate products.

Local governments also lose because the proper sales and other taxes are not being paid on the transactions.

The raid targeted businesses suspected of selling fake goods under a variety of well-known brand names, including Nike, Apple, North face, Polo, Ugg and Timberland, according to police officials.

The Plaza Flea Market is in the 2400 block of Old North Point Road in Dundalk.