Flea market raid nets $1 million in fake goods

By Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

More than $1 million worth of counterfeit merchandise was seized in a weekend raid at a Cobb County flea market.

Forty Marietta police officers uncovered purses, wallets, jewelry and assorted clothing, all believed to be fake versions of designer brands, while executing search warrants Saturday at the Franklin Road market, Officer David Baldwin said.

Eight people were arrested and additional arrests are expected, Baldwin said. Several of the businesses in the indoor flea market were operating without a license, and officers found zoning and fire code violations, Baldwin said.

"There are quite a few legitimate businesses up and running there," Baldwin told the AJC.

The raid was the result of a months-long investigation into possible illegal activity at the flea market, located at 550 Franklin Road. The Marietta Fire Department and officials with the city's Code Enforcement and Business License Division also participated in the raid.