Federal law enforcement has seized another load of counterfeit diabetic socks at the Area Port of Norfolk-Newport News. The 165,707 pairs of socks in the seizure would be worth more than $2.6 million in manufacturer suggested retail price if they were legitimate.
“Norfolk, VA CBP Officers Seize Second Significant Sham Socks Shipment destined to Loudoun County, VA,” the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Baltimore field office announced Tuesday.
Officers seized the socks on July 29 after detaining the shipment July 12 – one day before CBP seized the first shipment of 118,566 pairs on July 13. Both shipments came from Turkey and contained fake “Hugh Ugoli” branded diabetic socks – a violation of the Seal of Cotton seal trademark.
Diabetic socks include extra features like softer yarns and a lack of seams. Sets of four Hugh Ugoli pairs currently cost around $20 on Amazon.
“According to Cotton Incorporated, products bearing the ‘Seal of Cotton’ trademark, which is owned and licensed exclusively by Cotton Incorporated, are evaluated for their cotton quality and content in a product,” CBP reported.
No one has been charged in relation to the shipments, and an investigation is ongoing. After the first shipment was seized, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Norfolk-Newport News Mark Laria said the size of that shipment was “alarming.”
“Diabetic socks are an unusual product to counterfeit, but Customs and Border Protection officers realize that bad actors will counterfeit anything that lines their greedy pockets with illicit proceeds, regardless of any potential harm their products will cause their customers,” Laria said in the CBP’s announcement of the latest seizure.
He said, “We remain committed to intercepting counterfeit and potentially dangerous consumer goods, and we strongly encourage consumers to protect themselves and their families by purchasing goods only from reputable vendors.”
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Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
