MEXICO CITY — In a significant operation, Mexican authorities conducted a raid on an extensive complex of shops in downtown Mexico City that was found to be selling counterfeit goods sourced from China and other Asian countries. On Friday, officials announced plans to expand this crackdown across the nation.

The raid, which took place on Thursday at a location known as “Mexico Mart,” involved more than 200 police officers, marines, and inspectors. During the operation, around 90,000 counterfeit items that were pretending to be reputable brand products were confiscated. Overall, authorities seized in excess of 262,000 items lacking receipts or import documentation; some products even had no labels whatsoever.

While the nature of the counterfeit items varied—featuring fake versions of products from popular brands such as Marvel, Sanrio, Disney, and Nintendo—it’s unclear if these items were included in the total product count or were accounted separately. The operation, which lasted seven hours, revealed that the entire building front displayed Chinese characters, a common feature among the shops within. The goods were primarily from countries including China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.

The timing of the operation holds significance amid rising concerns in the U.S. over the influx of Chinese products into the American market. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has previously discussed imposing hefty import tariffs on Mexican goods, igniting fears among U.S. politicians that Mexico could be becoming a passageway for these materials.

There was no indication that the counterfeit products were intended for re-export to the United States; they specifically appeared to be aimed at Mexican street vendors, especially with the Christmas shopping season approaching. However, it was evident that authorities had been aware of the activities taking place in the location for years. Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard noted that three previous raids had occurred at the same address.

Ebrard expressed concern over the labeling of the products, noting, “They didn’t have any labels,” and emphasized that the goods were in violation of numerous regulations. He disclosed that the haul included a substantial amount of pirated Disney merchandise.

In response to the surge of Chinese imports, Mexican officials aim to develop local manufacturing capabilities to reduce reliance on foreign goods. Ebrard announced plans for prosecutors to seize the premises from its owners and ensure the destruction of the confiscated counterfeit items. Additionally, he indicated that those involved in the importation process, including customs and shipping officials, would be scrutinized if any relevant documents were discovered.

“Our efforts will extend nationwide, including at seaports and airports,” Ebrard affirmed. “This is intended to be an ongoing operation.” In recent years, Mexican markets have seen an upsurge in Chinese items, particularly in categories like toys, household goods, and budget-friendly electric bicycles and scooters.