Feds seize more than $150,000 in fake NFL merchandise in Florida

1:38 PM, Feb 2, 2012   |    comments
Federal officials show some of the counterfeit NFL merchandise they say was seized during Operation Fake Sweep.
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Tampa, Florida -- Federal officials say millions dollars worth of fake NFL merchandise has been seized across the country, including more than $150,000 in Florida alone.

Fake jerseys, ball caps, t-shirts, jackets and other counterfeit goods were seized in a months-long investigation dubbed Operation Fake Sweep. It was conducted by numerous agencies, including ICE, Homeland Security and U.S. Customs, all in partnership with the NFL.

Photo Gallery: Seized merchandise from Operation Fake Sweep

Just days before Super Bowl XLVI, officials say they have seized 42,692 items, totaling a take of more than $4.8 million. In Florida, agents and officers seized 801 counterfeit NFL items valued $157,336.

Thousands of other counterfeit items representing other sports leagues were also confiscated, bringing the total value of seized merchandise in the operation at $6.4 million.

Officials say Operation Fake Sweep began October 1st and will continue through Super Bowl weekend.