LAPD seize $700,000 counterfeit makeup

A Los Angeles Police Department task force seized $700,000 worth of counterfeit cosmetics after raiding locations in the Fashion District on Thursday, an LAPD spokesman said.

In an interview Detective Rick Ishitani of the LAPD told KTLA, that a task force hit 21 locations in the Santee Alley shopping area and found that all of those locations were selling counterfeit name-brand makeup.

Some of the counterfeit brands that were recovered were makeup similar to popular brands such as Anastasia, MAC, Urban Decay and Kylie Cosmetics by Kylie Jenner.

Police also said that analysts found bacteria and animal waste in the makeup seized on Thursday.

A similar bust was conducted in February after the LAPD received complaints from customers who got rashes and bumps after using similar makeup, Ishitani said.

The cosmetics seized during that bust were tested and officials found high levels of bacteria, including traces of animal feces and urine.

Six people were arrested and are expected to be charged with trademark violations of major brands and 15 people were served with cease and desist orders.