Authorities have just uncovered one of the largest counterfeit merchandise busts in the Charlotte region, seizing more than 96,000 fake items with an estimated retail value of $7.8 million from a home in Gaston County.
The Gaston County Police Department said investigators began looking into the alleged sale of counterfeit merchandise from a Gaston County man last month. After a weeks-long investigation, officers executed a search warrant at the home on June 25.
During the search, investigators seized 96,108 suspected counterfeit items with an estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $7,845,817.
As a result of the investigation, authorities obtained arrest warrants for Adela Ortiz-Portillo and Ever Roberto Martinez-Olivia. Each faces two counts of criminal use of a counterfeit trademark and one count of felony conspiracy.
The investigation involved the Gaston County Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Office, and Blazer Investigations.
Officials said counterfeit products can harm consumers, legitimate businesses, and trademark owners by flooding the market with fake goods that often fail to meet safety and quality standards.
The Gaston County Police Department thanked its partner agencies for their assistance and said the investigation reflects an ongoing effort to combat counterfeit merchandise throughout the region.
Anyone with information about this case or similar activity is encouraged to contact Officer Rogers with the Gaston County Police Department at 704-866-3320.
