MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police said they confiscated more than $50,000 worth of counterfeit merchandise at a flea marker in Southwest Memphis.
“I’m pretty sure people know how much real Michael Kors purses cost,” Ungela Williams said.
Police said shoppers could have gotten so-called “designer merchandise” at the Lamar Flea Market, located at South Third and Raines, for cheap.
Detectives reported people selling everything from fake music to knock-off handbags.
“Louis Vuitton. Michael Kors okay — I never had one,” Kendra Cole said.
Police said everything they recovered was fake.
“It’s not okay because I sure wouldn’t want nobody to sell me nothing fake,” Cole explained.
The tables were empty at the flea market on Sunday, and the men accused of selling the fake merchandise sat behind bars.
“If I spend my money on something fake, yeah I’d be upset,” Cole said.
Four of the five men arrested were Abdoulaye Niang, Abdoulaye Marouba, Amadou Ba, and Deo Kagoma.
They are accused of selling fake purses from designers, like Chanel, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana and Prada.
One vendor is accused of offering a pair of fake Ray-Ban sunglasses at $5.00 each.
“If they got some people who head out here they can bust for them, of course they’re going to sell them,” Williams explained.
Police said Mansour Gangue hustled music.
Gangue was busted with about 300 counterfeit albums, according to court documents.
“No. It’s not shocking to me at all,” Williams said.
Neighbors were not surprised about the arrests after a similar incident happened across the street four years ago.
“Even after they did it like that the people was still selling what they was selling: their merchandise,” Williams said.
“It’s a huge problem in this area,” Keith Haney, a consultant with the Memphis Police Department, said.
Haney is a former MPD Lieutenant turned counterfeit merchandise expert.
Haney explained shoppers should look out for the price, quality, and location when purchasing high-dollar items.
“If you’re looking for a high-end trademarked item, you’re not going to find them at your local flea markets,” Haney said.
All five men who were arrested are expected in court on Monday.