Armed Felon Tried To Sell Rolex Knock-Offs To Cop In Winnetka​: LAPD

WINNETKA, CA — Police arrested a 34-year-old convicted felon in the Winnetka area for trying to sell fake Rolex watches to an undercover police officer, the Los Angeles Police Department announced recently. During the arrest, they found an untraceable ghost gun on the suspect, police said.

The Los Angeles Police Department's Commercial Crimes Division, Illicit Pharmaceutical and Counterfeit Unit arrested Albert Bantug at 11.a.m. in the 20000 block of Vanowen Street, police said.

Upon searching Bantung, the officers found a loaded semi-automatic handgun without no serial numbers in his front waistband, according to the LAPD.

The recovered watches were examined at the scene by Rolex representatives and found to be counterfeit, police said. Bantug was on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm and trademark infringement.

Authorities warned customers to be leery of knockoff watches and jewelry.

"The purchase of counterfeit products may be hazardous to your health," the LAPD said in a written statement. There have been instances where counterfeit watches and jewelry contain elevated levels of lead and other dangerous metals. Manufacturers of counterfeit products are not beholden to the same rigorous materials and safety testing standards.

"In order to prevent the risk of buying counterfeit, only buy from authorized dealers or directly
from the manufacturer. As a consumer, you should exercise due diligence and research the name
and places of your suppliers."