Canadian Duty Free Question

[telefunkken]

This has nothing to do with Sasquatch or even travelling to Sasquatch, but it's something that's had me wondering for a while. Everybody in Canada knows that buying booze/beer/cigarettes here is pretty damn expensive compared to buying these things in the US. However, buying them from the Canadian Duty Free is wonderfully cheap. But of course, you are only allowed to shop at the duty free if you are going into the states.

So my question is this, what is to stop you from going with a bunch of friends, parking a few blocks from the border, walking to the duty free shop, buying a shitload of supplies, giving them a fake (or real) lisence plate number, and then walking back to your car and driving back home for a reasonably priced drink-and-smoke-a-thon? Maybe I'm missing something but it really doesn't seem that hard to do.

Whattaya think? Anybody got any insider information?

[telefunkken]

Nobody, eh? Well I'm going to do it and if I get arrested I'm blaming all of you for not trying to stop me.

[foldered]

I would say to do it at your own risk.

And hook me up if it works out.

[wolfhat]

May 24, 2010 12:48:49 GMT -8 foldered said:

I would say to do it at your own risk.

And hook me up if it works out.

My sentiments exactly. I do know that the border patrol monitors the surrounding area (not just the border itself) pretty thoroughly, but I doubt duty-dodgers are their number one priority. I shop at duty free all the time and am curious to hear how your attempt turns out.

[telefunkken]

Duty-Dodger. I like that. Well I'm going to case the joint while stopping en route to Sasquatch, and if it looks safe enough I'm going to come back a week or two later and try it.

Even if I were to get caught though... it's not an arrestable offence is it?

[nameless]

Trying to circumvent federal laws can never be a good idea.

I was once denied entry into the US at the airport, so I bought some duty free on the way back out and they made me return it.

Here is what they say on the website:

False declarations and the seizure of goods

If you do not declare goods, or if you falsely declare them, the CBSA can seize the goods. This means that you may lose the goods permanently or that you may have to pay a penalty to get them back. Depending on the type of goods and the circumstances involved, the CBSA may impose a penalty that range from 25% to 80% of the value of the seized goods.

In addition, the Customs Act provides border services officers with the authority to seize all vehicles that were used to import goods unlawfully. When this happens, the CBSA imposes a penalty that you must pay before the vehicle is returned to you.

If you do not declare tobacco products and alcoholic beverages at the time of importation, the CBSA will seize them permanently.

A record of infractions is kept in the CBSA computer system. If you have an infraction record, you may have to undergo a more detailed examination on future trips. You may also become ineligible for the NEXUS and CANPASS programs.

If your goods were seized and you disagree with the action taken, you can appeal by writing a letter to the CBSA within 90 days of the date of the seizure. You can find more information about the appeal process on your seizure receipt form.

[know ID yuh]

In other words, go for it!

[interstateeight]

FUN FACT: I WILL OFFER LEGAL ADVICE* IN EXCHANGE FOR BEER AT SASQUATCH TO SAVE YOU** FROM THESE MINOR PROBLEMS***

*Nothing that I have to say to you constitutes actual legal advice. I am not yet a licensed attorney nor a full member of any state's bar. Our communications will not warrant the attorney-client confidentiality privilege, and by this waiver I hereby absolve myself of liability in any malpractice proceedings.

**I most decidedly cannot save you from anything.

***Never underestimate the penalties you will suffer from violations of federal law.

[wolfhat]

^ This might actually be the post of the year.