JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In an effort to crack down on crimes related to the coronavirus, federal agents in Northeast Florida have seized dangerous shipments of products claiming to help with COVID-19.
Homeland Security Investigations agents report criminals are preying on people during the coronavirus pandemic, trying to make millions of dollars, profiting from the crisis.
The Department of Homeland Security recently launched Operation Stolen Promise, as HSI agents investigate criminals selling counterfeit personal protective equipment, unregulated coronavirus medications and COVID-19 tests.
Working with U.S. Customs, Jacksonville HSI agents recently seized black market hydroxychloroquine, which some believe is a treatment for the coronavirus, in Orlando.
“We’re seeing all types of things from teabags to pills, all types of supposed cures for COVID-19,” Phillips noted.