Post #195296 by Rum Numb Davey on Fri, Oct 28, 2005 11:47 AM

Take it from me guys, I am a contraband expert in regards to Mexico.
IF you purchase any REAL Havana Club Rum in Mexico, and US Customs eyes it in your gear they will seize it. Period.
Hear is the rub. If you passed all the amnesty boxes and did not drop...if they ask you to declare..and you did not..then you're screwed. Not only will they take your product they will detain you just to screw with your head. They can cite and fine you. The real pain is from that point on, every time you hit a customs check point anywhere, you are "flagged" and you will always be searched.
Most customs officials know that the "Cuban" cigars you paid $15.00 US a stick for are nothing more than fa-key Mexicano Te-Amos with clever wrappers. I did find a legit Havana Dealer in Mexicali, and one in Juarez...Most are pure BS. Chances are you will get away with it..good luck.
I worry more about smuggling vintage Classified Growth Clarets down there to my restaurant owner buyers. If the Mexican Customs officials catch me usurping their tremendous incise tax on wine, I am in real CRIMINAL trouble.