Post #134297 by christiki295 on Thu, Jan 6, 2005 9:42 PM

Based on highly-prized intelligence derived at the TC opening of Tiki Bob's, and inspired by Fidel Castro & Ricky Ricardo, I brought over very illegal contraband from Mexico: Cuban Cigars and Rum.

I was going to sell a few to my friends, but now that I understand I will face a $50,000 fine for selling, I suppose I'll give a couple away and watch the rest of my profits go up in smoke.

This from the US Customs website:

Prohibitions on Cuban Cigars

The revival of interest in cigars and cigar smoking underscores the need to remind the public of the prohibitions that have been in place for many years with respect to cigars of Cuban origin. The number of attempted importations of Cuban cigars into the United States is rising and because dealing in such cigars may lead to Treasury enforcement actions, the public should be aware of — and make every effort to observe — the prohibitions which are in effect.

There is a total ban on the importation into the United States of Cuban-origin cigars and other Cuban-origin tobacco products. This prohibition extends to such products . . . acquired in third countries by any U.S. Traveler, including purchases at duty-free shops. Contrary to what many people may believe, it is illegal for travelers to bring into the United States Cuban cigars acquired in third countries, such as Canada, England, or Mexico.

It is also illegal for U.S. persons to buy, sell, trade, or otherwise engage in transactions involving illegally-imported Cuban cigars. The penalties for doing so include, in addition to confiscation of the cigars, civil fines of up to $55,000 per violation . . .

Bringing in the rum was illegal, too.