In the second incident of its kind reported over the last two weeks, a large shipment of counterfeit toys shipped through Canada was intercepted at the border crossing between Fort Frances and International Falls.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers recently targeted a rail container that was transported by train from British Columbia to the International Falls Port of Entry.
Upon inspection, they found 3,000 fashion dolls described as "piratical copies" of Mattel's CEO Barbie.
The merchandise, with an aggregate retail price of $85,000 U.S., was seized for violation of multiple laws and regulations.
A U.S. Customs spokesperson said stopping the flow of illicit goods is a priority trade issue because it can damage the domestic economy and threaten the health and safety of citizens.
In August, border officers at International Falls discovered a shipment of counterfeit die-cast model aircraft with a retail value of $600,000 U.S.
The fake items had also been transported by rail from B.C.
