290 cartons of counterfeit EZ Kruiser Bluetooth batteries found in Houston

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Area Port of Houston/Galveston seized nearly one million dollars worth of counterfeit lithium batteries on Tuesday. The agency reported that inspectors found 290 cartons of the products during a routine check.

The seized batteries were branded as EZ Kruiser and displayed the trademarked Bluetooth logo. After coordination with trademark representatives, CBP determined the items violated federal intellectual property laws. The products were using the logo without authorization, a common tactic for counterfeit goods entering the country.

Juan Guevara Torres, a local tech expert, said the seizure underscores safety risks that consumers often overlook. He noted that counterfeit batteries are frequently manufactured without the quality controls applied to legitimate products. This can lead to overheating, swelling, and potential explosions.

Torres explained that improperly made batteries can also damage the electronic devices they power, including cellphones. In some cases, the batteries may fail after only a few charging cycles. He advised consumers to purchase electronics from trusted retailers and established stores.

He warned against buying from unknown sellers on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace. Torres also cautioned against purchasing inexpensive accessories from gas stations and dollar stores, where quality standards may vary. He identified price as a key warning sign, noting that legitimate batteries usually fall within a similar cost range. A product sold for significantly less than the market average may indicate a counterfeit item.

Area Port Director John Landry said the seizure is part of a larger effort to protect American businesses. He stated that global criminal networks cause harm to companies that follow the rules. Landry added that profits from fake merchandise can support other criminal activities, including money laundering and drug trafficking.

CBP officials reported that officers in Houston have made several major counterfeit seizures in recent months. These have included watches, children's toys, and FIFA World Cup merchandise. The agency noted that nearly 90% of its intellectual property rights seizures involve goods originating from China and Hong Kong. Officials emphasized that electronics, automotive parts, and medications pose specific health and safety risks when counterfeited.

The agency encourages consumers to buy directly from manufacturers or authorized retailers when possible. Buyers should verify online seller reviews and contact information. Those who suspect counterfeit merchandise can report violations through the CBP Trade Violations Reporting website or by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT.