Biggest Flea Market Raids In Cdn. History Net Major Fakes
Posted November 27, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
One by one the garbage bags were filled and hauled from Pickering Markets.
Inside them, millions of dollars in alleged counterfeit goods that Toronto Police seized from the site – and two others – Thursday.
“We have everything from toys to jewellery, clothing,” said 55 Division Sgt. Robert Whalen.
In total 91 search warrants were executed at three of the nation’s largest flea markets.
In addition to Pickering Markets, Downsview Park Merchant’s Market and Dr. Flea’s Flea Market in Etobicoke were also hit.
At issue is not only the authenticity of the illegal goods, but the dangers associated with them.
“If you pull it out of the package and you start playing with it the parts will break apart very easily,” said anti-counterfeiting lawyer Lorne Lipkus, holding a Spider-Man toy still in its plastic.
“Nobody has tested this toy to see what the lead content is, we have no way of knowing, we don’t know where this was made.”
And the concern extends beyond the ever-important safety of your family. Research shows much of the counterfeiting that goes on is tied directly to organized crime.
To take a look at some of the gear that was seized and for more on counterfeit goods, click the video link.
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