Fake NFL Jerseys Worth $847K Seized At LAX, Ontario Airports

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Thousands of counterfeit NFL jerseys have been seized at Los Angeles International Airport since the NFL  season kicked off  in September, authorities said Thursday.

Officers and import specialists, who are specially trained in product identification, detection and interception of trademark violators, have seized 304 parcels containing a total of 10,710 counterfeit jerseys, worth an estimated $847,000. The jerseys were found at air cargo consignment locations at Los Angeles and Ontario airports during a string of seizures between Sept. 8, 2011 and Jan. 25, 2012.

"Counterfeit sports apparel typically looks similar to brand name jerseys but are cheaper and of poorer quality," said Todd C. Owen, the agency's director of field operations in Los Angeles.

According to the CBP, trade in illegitimate goods is often associated with smuggling and other criminal activities.