A local dad said Homeland Security agents were collecting Fortnite merchandise at the Toy Kingdom in the Avenues Mall, Wednesday.
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He sent pictures of the agents boxing up evidence to Action News Jax.
Local parents said it seems odd.
“It makes me wonder why like you know, what happened," said Katrina Blunt.
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The store was open for business as usual on Thursday.
Reporter Beth Rousseau spoke to an employee who said she was inside the store when the agents showed up.
She said Toy Kingdom isn’t breaking any laws.
Rousseau asked for the owner’s phone number, and the employee said he wouldn’t talk to anyone about the raid.
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“Why you so secretive? Especially when you’ve got agents in your facility, why you so secretive?” Blunt wanted to know.
A spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement sent this statement:
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted a law enforcement action in that area yesterday, as it is part of an on-going investigation, we are not able to release more information.
A source told Action News Jax this is part of a larger counterfeit operation.
Action News Jax Law and Safety Expert Dale Carson said if it is a counterfeit investigation the toys were likely brought in from another country and parents should be cautious.
#NEW: I just spoke to the parent who took these pictures of Homeland Security agents at Toy Kingdom. He says agents they were boxing up Fortnite merchandise. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/FDTX4S22xk
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) April 18, 2019
He explained, “If we find out there is lead in the painT, if there are breakable pieces that come off of the items because they’re not genuine now.”
According to a State of Florida website the two listed owners live in Panama City Beach.
Action News Jax has not been able to reach either for comment.
It appears to be business as usual at Toy Kingdom in the Avenues Mall where just yesterday pictures @ActionNewsJax received photos of Homeland Security agents boxing up toys. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/EsHx5AfCP1
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) April 18, 2019
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