Have any of you ever tried to sneak in more cigarettes or booze or jewelry than you are allowed to do duty-free and get caught? <BR><BR>I know what they say the penalties are, but what really happened to you?<BR>

YES I was caught. They randomly selected us and searched everything.<BR><BR>We spent 3 years hard labor for our mistake.<BR>Don't cheat the govt

I haven't ever tried - but I have a friend who got caught with jewelry -- paid a hefty fine and he now gets searched every time he comes back into the country. They have his name.

I always smuggle in stuff and I never get caught. I am 67 years old and female. I guess they just don't stop the nice old grandma types.

Really though, what is the penalty for smuggling in say a box of Cuban Cigars? If you are caught, will they confiscate the contraband AND impose a fine? I'd really like to know.

Anything Cuban, customs will confiscate, unless you have their permission, and that's another story. Unless you have a suitcase full of cigars, you will not have to pay any fines, well, in most cases anyway. I bring a box or 2 of cigars plus a bottle or 2 of Cuban rum everytime I travel abroad, never got caught yet.

My husband smuggled a few cigars back after our last cruise, but I think he wants to go "big" this time with a box or two. So, if we get caught they won't make us repay our debt to society in a Cuban prison, right?!

No you won't. Your punishment will be knowing that some customs guys are enjoying your cigars.