RIAA and MPAA joined Atlanta public officials to destroy more than 1 million counterfeit CDs and DVDs seized as a result of enforcement efforts throughout the metro region.

The event took place at the Atlanta Police Department headquarters' property section where the evidence was placed in large pallets and shredded before being sent to recycling facilities.

The illegal product, estimated to be worth more than $20 million, was captured during various law enforcement raids on premises suspected of being used by illegal pirate operations to sell counterfeit music and movies. The destruction of evidence is in accordance with US copyright law.

"Individuals selling illegal CDs cheaply on the street corner are not just small-time peddlers - they are fronts for larger criminal organisations that steal music by the millions of CDs," said Brad Buckles, executive vice president, anti-piracy, RIAA. "Piracy not only affects the creative industries, but takes away valuable revenue generated from legitimate purchases from local retailers and city and state governments."