March 25 (UPI) — United States customs officials seized more than 40,000 counterfeit condoms being imported to Puerto Rico.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and the Food and Drug Administration seized the counterfeit condoms being sent to Puerto Rico from China over the course of five days.
“CBP works with its partners to protect consumers from imported products that threaten the health and safety of consumers,” Vernon Foret, acting director of field operations for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, said. “Counterfeit and pirated products threaten our economic security and undermine legitimate businesses that invest significant resources into manufacturing safe, quality products.”
The CBP warned that counterfeit goods may cause long-term health conditions and other problems, as they are not subject to quality controls.
“In the past, seized cosmetics have been found to contain hazardous substances including cyanide, arsenic, mercury, lead, urine and rat droppings,” the CPB said. “Fake condoms will not guard the user against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.”
Ricardo Mayoral, the special agent in charge who oversees HSI operations throughout Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands said the importation of counterfeit products can also affect jobs and promote criminal activity.
“HSI will continue to work with its enforcement partners to combat the distribution of counterfeit products, like those seized in San Juan this week that could put unwitting consumers at risk,” he said.
