Macau Customs officers have arrested five local residents after busting a luxury counterfeit-goods retailing business in the territory.

Nearly 500 fake items of clothing, handbags, belts shoes and watches carrying brand names including Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Chanel and Hermes were seized in raids. Officers suspect the goods had a street value of MOP3.65 million (US$451,445).

The Customs action followed complaints by the brand owners. Two retail stores located in the NAPE and Central districts of Macau were raided, Customs announced this week.

The goods were brought in from the mainland and were being sold in shops at retail prices matching those of genuine products on sale in the city.

People caught selling counterfeit goods in Macau face jail terms of up to six months.