CBP Officers in Champlain, N.Y. Donate Seized Clothing

(Thursday, November 04, 2010)

recently donated over 2,300 pieces of seized children’s clothing to the St. Mary’s Mission Center, a non-profit organization in Champlain. St. Mary’s Mission Center supports families in and around the North Country.


Childrens clothing items
Seized property becomes clothing for the needy



The items were seized at the Champlain Port of Entry in February after CBP officers and Import Specialists targeted a shipment of clothing destined to Hollywood Calf. Inspection of the shipment revealed that the children’s clothing, which included shirts and pants bearing the logos of Sponge Bob Square Pants, Tweety Bird and Sylvester, contained counterfeit trademarks. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the clothing was $35,000.

“The hard work and dedication of the CBP employees at the Port of Champlain made it possible to donate the children’s clothing to the local charity. “said Paul Stephan Mongillo, CBP Port Director of the Champlain Port of Entry.

“This is a win-win situation. The counterfeit goods are not permitted for sale in the U.S. and the goods are being distributed to families in need,” said Diann Snell, CBP Fines, Penalties & Forfeitures Officer for the Champlain Port of Entry.

CBP is responsible for enforcing trade laws and preventing counterfeit merchandise from entering the commerce. Upon completion of the administrative forfeiture procedures, seized merchandise may be donated to relief efforts and to charity, with the trademark owner’s approval. Products that threaten the health and safety of American consumers are destroyed.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.