Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted a mysterious shipment in Virginia. It came from China and was destined for Wood County, West Virginia. CBP opened it for inspection at the Area Port of Norfolk–Newport News and found a haul worthy of Santa Claus. But on closer look, it definitely put someone on the naughty list.

Officers recovered 17,000 counterfeit items, including what appear to be fake Labubus plushies:

• 12,191 plush toys
• 1,661 backpacks
• 1,600 music boxes
• 1,430 snow globes
• 552 animal floral arrangements
• 200 rose décor

Authorities estimate the shipment’s retail value—if its contents were genuine—at $776,562. And that’s cookie crumbs next to the big picture.

In 2024 alone, CBP seized the equivalent of $5.4 billion in counterfeit goods. Intellectual property theft hurts U.S. businesses. But dangerous counterfeit toys also pose real safety risks.

Why counterfeit toys can be hazardous

Keri Brady, CBP’s area port director at the Area Port of Norfolk–Newport News, issued a warning. “As we near the holiday shopping season, we urge parents to remain diligent when buying online or at steep discounts to be sure that the children’s toys, clothes, or accessories you buy don’t pose a serious health and safety threat to your families.”