The U.S. Customs and Border Protection posted on social media that it has seized counterfeit Apple Airpods. However, the photo clearly states OnePlus Buds – a different brand of earbuds.
The U.S. Feds posted a press release regarding the seized AirPods. The Feds claim that the total estimated price of the items was US$398,000. However, the products are in fact OnePlus Buds.
CBP discovered the earbuds last August 31. It came from Hong Kong and is supposed to be delivered to Nevada inside the John F. Kennedy International Airport.
THAT'S NOT AN 🍎 —
CBP officers at JFK Airport recently seized 2,000 counterfeit Apple AirPods from Hong Kong, valued at $398K had they been genuine.
Details via @CBPNewYorkCity: https://t.co/XMgjkfT56i pic.twitter.com/Ofn9REJ9ZB
— CBP (@CBP) September 14, 2020
CBP attempt for good publicity fires back
CBP posted the tweet to inform that they are working hard to prevent counterfeit items.
According to Troy Miller, Director of CBP New York Field Operations, “CBP Officers are protecting the American public from various dangers on a daily basis.”
“The interception of these counterfeit earbuds is a direct reflection of the vigilance and commitment to mission success by our CBP Officers daily,” he added.
However, the Twitter community immediately responded that the items were, in fact, legitimate earbuds and not counterfeit.
Reading this on my @OnePlus_USA phone, and wondering what in the name of Barney Fife is going on at JFK Airport with the @CBP. May want to get a better education on legitimate brands over there.
— LeRoy Crouch (@CSPsycho) September 14, 2020
Some said that the CBP officers should have checked the box to see if it is indeed an AirPods knockoff.
It is understandable why the officers were confused though. Manufacturers have adapted to the AirPods’ design into their own wireless earbuds.
While the OnePlus Buds are indeed look-a-like of the AirPods, it is without a doubt a legitimate product.
Featured image used courtesy of OnePlus