APEC countries lose $7 billion to counterfeits

Source: “APEC loses over US$ 7 billion per year due to counterfeit trade“, Andina, August 22, 2008.

Coca cultivation in Colombia increased 27 percent in 2007

Source: “The unstoppable crop,” The Economist, June 21, 2008, page 50.

Smugglers and refiners of heroin earn $3.5 billion in Afghanistan

Source: “No quick fixes,” The Economist, June 21, 2008, page 54.

Opium farmers in Afghanistan earn an estimated $500 million annualy

Source: “No quick fixes,” The Economist, June 21, 2008, page 54.

Feds seized $1.6 billion in drug money on US-Mexico border in 2007

The $1.6 billion is out of a total $12 billion that is estimated to be smuggled over the border. 
Source: “The sheriffs stash,” The Economist, July 12, 2008, page. 42.

7.5 billion songs were swapped on file-sharing networks in 2007

Source: “Thanks, me heartie,” The Economist, July 19, 2008, pg. 74.

China lost 121 tons of ivory to smugglers between 1991-2002

The 121 tons is the equivalent of the tusks from 11,000 elephants. 
Source: “Round the horn,” The Economist, July 19, 2008, pg. 68.

Fake cosmetics seizures up 264 percent in 2007 at EU borders

Source: AP, “EU concerned by surge in imports of counterfeit drugs, toys, cosmetics,” International Herald Tribune, May 19, 2008.

Seizures of counterfeit toys up 98 percent over 2006 levels in EU

Source: AP, “EU concerned by surge in imports of counterfeit drugs, toys, cosmetics,” International Herald Tribune, May 19, 2008.

On average, $7.8 million in Supernotes confiscated annually

Source: Peter Finn, “Probe Traces Global Reach of Counterfeiting Ring,” Washington Post, November 26, 2006.

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