Knock-Off Viagra Among Goods Seized in Raids

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department netted thousands of counterfeit items -- everything from knock-off purses to fake Viagra pills -- in what it is calling the largest confiscation of counterfiet goods in L.A. history.

The haul, over a period of several months, included $18 million worth of goods that knocked off more than 30 different name-brand designers.

Among the items: little blue pills that were not quite the real deal.

"We gave received and issued 32 court-ordered notices to cease and desist in reproducing trademark goods," said Los Angeles County Sheriff at a news conference on Thursday.

The L.A. investigation was based on a tip from authorities in Beaverton, Oregon, who had the largest counterfeit raid in Oregon history a few months ago. Information from their investigation led Los Angeles law enforcement to several large warehouses in the downtown area. 

Knock-off purses, jewelry, clothing and the counterfit Viagra were found in the wearhouses, along with sewing areas where the fake labels were applied. Sixty-two people were arrested in this latest raid in Los Angeles.

"This is not a victimless crime," said Geoff Spalding, Beaverton Police Chief. "Profits from these crimes go to benefiting organized crime, gang activity, drug trafficking and terrorism-type activities."

Authorities say there's also a tremendous cost to the U.S. economy.  They say at least 100,000 people have lost their jobs due to this kind of piracy in Los Angeles alone -- a fact authorities would like you to remember the next time you put on that Gucci original you bought at Venice Beach for  $10.99.

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