According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), an American returning from Spain to Philadelphia International Airport on Halloween was caught with approximately $80,000 worth of undeclared luxury goods. Among the high-end items discovered in his luggage were an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore watch, handbags from Gucci, Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent, a Dan John bomber jacket, and two pairs of Golden Goose Ball Star sneakers.
CBP officers report that the man repeatedly refused to truthfully declare his purchases, initially claiming he had only spent $700. Even during a secondary examination, the traveler stuck to his story – he’d only spent $700. However, a baggage search revealed receipts and merchandise totaling $80,932.
Beyond what are likely substantial fines and penalties, this traveler also lost his Global Entry privileges. As we’ve written before, revocation of Global Entry is a common consequence when travelers are caught with undeclared purchases.
So, tell us, do you dare not to declare?
