YOUR COMMENTS

I like this type of law enforcement work. It protects American business interests!
- gr chase, Exeter

If the authorities really want to stop this then why doesn't Homalnd Security stop these good before they even get into the country. The same way they should stop the illegals before they enter the country.
This is once again a waste of time. Why did this operation require 30 officers and a multitude of command vehicles? I have never seen this type of coverage in NH.
Secondly, why target Salem? If this is truly illegal why not search every flea market and yard sale. There are probably 20 more in a 50 mile radius. If this is a way to counteract terrorism then there are a few other swap meets in the area to hit up next. And after that happens we will see how much that effects the terrorism, immigration and all the other problems people here have mentioned.
- Jen, Hudson, NH

I understand the police have jobs to do but why was it not a state wide sweep? I actually drove by the Salem Flea Market that day and saw a Derry NH special command van. Was it a joint operation? Now let me state I have been to both markets and Derry has far more counterfit items than others. Is it legal in Derry but not in Salem? Is Salem being targeted? I in no way condone of counterfit items so I ponder why these items are not seized by customs at major ports? Instead they are policed by local authorities?
- John, Salem,NH

Just for your information, some if not all all of the money made off of counterfeit designer goods being sold and especially the DVD's have been linked to organized crime and terrorists. Its is a known fact the Al Queda has been selling pirated DVD's to fund it's operations. It's cheap, cost effective and easy to fly under the radar, unlike drugs. So just Because you may think this operation was a waste of time, you have no idea about the trickle down effect were this money was heading after it was sold in Salem, NH!
- Mike, Haverhill,ma

I agree with Stan.

Law Enforcement was Enforcing the Laws.

Peter - where in this article is any officer stating that they "put their lives on the line" in Salem that day? Police officers do have a very dangerous and stressful occupation, although not every minute of every day is a treacherous one. Just as firefighters have a dangerous occupation, but they are not in burning buildings 24/7.

I'm pretty sure another team of officers is working on "that crack cocaine on the corner." And if you know all about the crack on the corner, you should really call the authorities.
- Laura, Manchester

Come on now, I'm sure we all know that when you go to a flea market you are not buying the "real" thing, that is why these things are cheap! If they were selling real designer things they would be much more expensive.
- Laura, Manchester

Truly amazing. The local police conducted an investigation and arrested people that were actually committing crimes in their town..... and people still aren't happy! If you know there's crack on the corner then call the police, otherwise - shut up! Ummm....duh of course the police are investigating other crimes. If you see a crime then report it! That's how it works. If they observe a crime then they'll act but otherwise it requires a complaint from someone that leads them to the crime. Well, when Peter from Manchester is howling because thieves are taking money out of his pockets, then it will be I who laughs!
- Stan, Concord

Another example of N.H's finest, why are we wasting taxpayer time, money and resources on what is thought to be conterfeit merchandise. There are many more important issues the police and law enforcement should be focusing on.
Secondly, the Salem Flea Market is a fine establishment who should not be shown in this infavorable fashion. My family has been shopping there for years and has never had a bad experience.
Still wondering why the other local flea markets have not been investigated in the same manner. Selective investigating?...
- Jen, Hudson, NH

While I agree that there are bigger crimes than selling a knock-off purse; there are now 7 less people with 'questionable' immigration status in our state. I am all for LEGAL immigration - however ILLEGAL immigrants need to go back to their countries and apply for visas (and leave when they expire). If this type of police action results in more illegals being caught I am all for it, go get those purses!
- Michelle, Salem

What an embarassment. And law enforcement say they put their lives on the line and they have a stressful job? Priorities are not in sync here..hmm, let's confiscate this counterfeit handbag, but leave that crack cocaine on the corner. Stop wasting taxpayers money and resources. I actually laughed at this article as I could imagine how big and bad these cops must have felt because they seized replica watches and purses.
- Peter, Manchester

It's about time they shut these people down. This counterfeit business has been going on for years, and has progressively expanded.
- Robin, Derry

Here we go again. I'm so dismayed to see us wasting valuable police resources to protect some fat cat company's bottom line. Don't they know that immitation is the sincerest form of flattery? The war against counterfiet goods is as good as futile. The authorietes should concentrate on counterfiet automobile and aircraft parts where safty is compromised by the use of counterfit replacement parts.
I personally know of one major brand name of athletic shoes, where the genuine article and the knock offs are made in the same factory in Cambodia. What a sham. Louis Vouton and Calvin Klein can kiss my designer bag.
- John Gill, Newmarket