MA Police Seize $11.3 Million In Fake Luxury Goods At Storage Space

SHREWSBURY, MA — A report of gunfire near the Shrewsbury and Worcester line led local police to a trove of counterfeit luxury goods inside a makeshift store worth an estimated $11.3 million.

Shrewsbury police went to the area near Extra Space Storage facility along Route 70 in the afternoon on June 17 after a report of multiple gunshots along nearby Holden Street. Police checked the nearby storage facility, and saw a person standing outside one of the units.

"When officers entered the storage unit, they observed what appeared to be thousands of items of merchandise. The merchandise was neatly displayed on shelves, tables and boxes, and laid out in a manner similar to how they would be displayed in a retail store for sale," Shrewsbury police said in a news release.

Police saw items like sunglasses, handbags, cologne and shoes bearing the logos of companies like Gucci, Prada, Nike and the North Face. The search led to two adjoining storage units with more goods inside — a total of more than 16,000 items in total.

Shrewsbury police hired the Mattapoisett-based firm Powers and Associates to sort through the items. The firm represents trademark holders dealing with counterfeiters. The firm valued the fake goods at $11.3 million, plus goods worth another $45,000 found inside two cars at the scene.

Shrewsbury police have not made any arrests yet, saying in a news release this week that the investigation is still underway.