November 19, 2013
Sheriff Leroy D. Baca and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department - Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Bureau, Counterfeit and Piracy Enforcement Team (CAPE) received an award from Rolex Watch USA Incorporated. The award was in recognition of the Department's efforts in battling the distribution and sale of counterfeit goods; and apprehending those who undermine the local economy and harm public health and safety.
Sheriff Baca and the CAPE Team received the award for their diligence and professionalism in combatting counterfeiting and piracy. Rolex acknowledged the Department for protecting the Intellectual Property Rights of companies, and recognized the CAPE Team as a leader in protecting those who manufacture the authentic products.
Since its inception in 2009, the CAPE Team has served nearly 100 search warrants, resulting in the arrest of more than 200 persons, and the seizure of over $123 million in counterfeit merchandise.
Sheriff Baca said perhaps the most troubling was the widespread threat that counterfeiting poses to public health and safety. Many consumers believe sharing copyrighted music, movies, or buying an imitation purse doesn't feel like stealing. Few consumers genuinely appreciate the significance, scope, or the consequences for counterfeiting and piracy.
Many counterfeit products contain high toxic levels of lead; tobacco made out of plastic particles and human feces; and pharmaceutical products that are sold with the intent to deceptively represent its origin, authenticity, or effectiveness.
Sheriff Baca stated the losses to U.S. businesses from the counterfeiting of trademarked consumer products are estimated at $200 billion a year. The Underground Economy hurts all Californians as the State of California loses $8 billion in corporate, personal and sales tax each year.
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