Photo: Anthony Devlin / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images
Every been on a cruise? If not, when you get to port to leave, they have security with dogs that sniff your bags and stuff. You may have booze you're trying to sneak on the boat. Because everything is EXPENSIVE on a cruise...except for the food. That is everywhere. That would explain the 5-15lb swing from before and after your vacation.
So you've thought to yourself at some of your stops "look at how cheap everything is. We need to bring some stuff home." and you pick up a ton meds and smokes. Well this is where you can get in trouble, and bad.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized about 750 cartons of cigarettes from two cruise passengers in California recently. Probably thought the same thing you did. "This is too easy. We'll make a fortune when we get home."
Their haul included Newport 100s, Marlboro Reds, Marlboro Silver, and other varieties when the pair returned from Mexico. “Large quantities of cigarettes are considered ‘commercial’ not personal use,” CBP said. The women had receipts but did not have an importer permit. The cigarettes, which will be destroyed, are valued at $59,920
So if you're planning that summer vacation and someone tells you "Here's a great way to make some quick cash." STAY AWAY. Just make your vacation plans early, pay it off way before you get there and just make it home. Don't end up in a hospital in Mexico like I did. True story, when I get over the anxiety from that I'll tell the story. Someday. But it was a LOT!!
Safe Travels!!