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Dover International Speedway's initiative to seize counterfeit merchandise proves very successful - An undercover initiative to stop the sale of counterfeit merchandise at Dover International Speedway has proven very successful.

Dover International Speedway, in conjunction with the FBI, Dover Police Department and Delaware State Police, conducted an undercover sting to prevent counterfeit merchandise from being sold on the property on race weekends. Law enforcement officials, disguised as race fans, canvassed the parking lots at Dover International Speedway throughout race weekend.
 
Officers focused on locating main distribution points of counterfeit merchandise early in the weekend, and began apprehending the major conspirators on Saturday. Historically, as race weekends progress, the appearance of unlicensed merchandise becomes more visible. This year, by the start of the Sunday, June 5 race at Dover International Speedway, illegal vendors were almost nonexistent.

Over the course of the weekend, eight individuals, identified as illegal vendors, were removed from track property, detained and questioned. All counterfeit merchandise in their possession was seized.

The FBI played a crucial role in the overall success of the initiative. Several months of planning and coordination efforts with state and local law enforcement were the keys to the program's smooth and efficient operation.

"Through collaboration with Dover International Speedway, the FBI, Delaware State Police and the Dover Police Dept., we were able to significantly reduce the sale of counterfeit merchandise," said Major Ray Taraila, Deputy Chief of Dover Police Dept. "We have made a real impact on the illegal sale of unlicensed merchandise in Dover, and hopefully made a positive impact on legitimate, law abiding businesses and vendors."

Nextel Communications also played a critical role in the initiative by providing wireless phones to the undercover officers. Rapid and reliable communication during the operation was essential. Through the donation of 30 i355 handsets that feature Nextel's newest walkie-talkie feature, Group ConnectSM, it allowed officials to instantly broadcast communications to the entire unit.

"We are constantly looking for ways to utilize our technology to better the business of the sport and to assist those in Public Safety," Leon Frazier, vice president, Public Sector Sales for Nextel said. "We are pleased that we were able to assist Dover International Speedway, the FBI, Delaware State Police and the Dover Police Dept., and are proud that our products and services played a role in the success of the operation."

"We sincerely appreciate the efforts of everyone involved with this initiative," said Jerry Miraglia, executive vice president of Dover Motorsports, Inc. "The FBI, Delaware State Police, Dover Police Dept. and Nextel were instrumental in making this initiative successful.

"These criminals need to know that Dover is the last place to attempt these illegal activities. We will not tolerate the sale of counterfeit merchandise at Dover International Speedway."

Dover Motorsports, Inc. will continue to allocate significant resources to further prevent the sale of counterfeit merchandise at race events.