Newly Launched Federal Task Force Finds Fake Xanax and Botox in First Week of Operation at Michigan Ports of Entry

The Detroit News has reported that the Detroit branch of the newly launched Global Trade Task Force (GTTF) has found counterfeit medications amongst the $1 million worth of counterfeit goods seized during one week.  The seizures occurred at the Detroit Metro Airport, and the Port Huron Blue Water Bridge ports of entry.

According to the Detroit News, GTTF investigators found both counterfeit Xanax pills, and counterfeit vials of Botox in addition to fake watches phones, and e-cigarettes.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the GTTF is a collaboration between a number of agencies including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security, and the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations.

CBP describes the new GTTF’s primary mission as an effort to combat illicit commerce that exploits our ports including:

• Health and Safety: Trafficking in counterfeit,  and substandard goods such as prescription pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and equipment for the automotive, aerospace, rail, and other heavy industries.
• Trade Crime: Financial fraud against the U.S. government, private businesses, and financial institutions.
• Counter-Proliferation: The illegal export of military equipment and technology and other restricted or dangerous materials.