Undeclared $250,000 in Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia Airport: Traveler's Global Entry Membership to Be Revoked
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced on October 30 that officers at Philadelphia International Airport seized more than $250,000 in undeclared Cartier jewelry from a Pennsylvania woman arriving from Amsterdam on October 25, and initiated action to revoke her Global Entry membership.
The woman, a Global Entry member, was referred to a secondary baggage examination. She initially told officers she had bought only a few thousand dollars' worth of souvenirs. Before her arrival, however, CBP officers had obtained information that she had purchased a Cartier bracelet valued at $183,818 and a Cartier ring valued at $67,811, a combined $251,629.
Officers gave her multiple opportunities to declare the jewelry, but she declared the items only after being told officers were already aware of the purchases. She later admitted she had discarded the jewelry boxes and receipts. CBP seized the jewelry for failure to declare and alleged violations of federal customs laws.
'Global Entry membership is a privilege for preapproved travelers who demonstrate that they are low risk and comply with U.S. laws and program requirements,' said Elliot N. Ortiz, CBP's Area Port Director in Philadelphia. 'Trusted Traveler Program members are expected to accurately declare their purchases and comply with all customs requirements. When members violate those obligations, CBP may take enforcement action, including revocation of program membership.' CBP reminded travelers that all merchandise acquired abroad, including gifts and personal items, must be declared; the standard personal exemption is $800, and dutiable amounts above it may be assessed.
Source: GSM News, America
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：费城国际机场。 / Photo: Philadelphia International Airport. 来源：Wikimedia Commons 文件页 File:Philadelphia International Airport.jpg（Public domain），作者：Andreas Praefcke。
