Habanos Cohibas
First post and dumb question.
I bought a box of 25 of these in the Dominican Republic (still here) for a friend, now a former friend. He doesn't want them now because he says they're too much money. I have no idea but I think I got a good deal according to others. The box is sealed with a stamp. The store won't take them back, or, rather they will with a 1000 peso ($40) penalty. My question is can I sell them in the US? Should I bite the bullet and pay the $40 penalty? I'm hesitant to dispute the charge because international credit card rules generally don't side with the consumer, at least that's my experience. I'll be back next week. Thanks, glenn
I bought a box of 25 of these in the Dominican Republic (still here) for a friend, now a former friend. He doesn't want them now because he says they're too much money. I have no idea but I think I got a good deal according to others. The box is sealed with a stamp. The store won't take them back, or, rather they will with a 1000 peso ($40) penalty. My question is can I sell them in the US? Should I bite the bullet and pay the $40 penalty? I'm hesitant to dispute the charge because international credit card rules generally don't side with the consumer, at least that's my experience. I'll be back next week. Thanks, glenn
Comments
As mentioned, a U.S. citizen cannot legally buy, trade for, receive for free, sell, or have in their possession anything cuban, no matter where it is bought/received (Unless you're a Cuban/American who I believe there are exceptions for)
So be smart.
Don't Habano's have a verification code on the seal? You go to the Habanos web site, type it in, see if it's legit, and if the product that it links to that unique code is in fact the cigars you have in your possession. Instant verification.
I won't smoke 'em myself because I hear it's no good for my health. Haha, I just made a zillion enemies here. I just don't enjoy smoking. I'd give them away one at a time, but I don't know if I know 25 people that would appreciate them.
Can someone tell me if I got a very good deal or do you need more info? If I didn't get an incredibly fantastic deal, I'll incur the penalty. And how long will they last without fancy storage? Like I said, I'll give them away to appreciative people; I just don't know if I know that many people who smoke cigars. Offhand, I can think of 0, haha.
And yes, I'm from NJ which is arguably part of the US. So, I guess I won't find too many sympathetic G-Men.
Did I mention that I hate my boss?
I tried! Now they don't even want the 1000 peso "penalty." Only exchange and there's nothing I want. I pointed out they weren't Cuban and they adamantly denied it. I couldn't get anywhere. There's not much I can do but report them to the tourism office. I'll upload photos when I get back to my hotel.
I decided not to let them get away with it without a fight. It should only take a short time to cause them a headache. The tourism office is 3 blocks from where I'm staying and I understand they don't take these sorts of things lightly, that is, problems with tourists.
Second, can someone tell me the law? Is it illegal for an American to buy Cuban cigars or just bring them to the USA? If I dispute the charge with my credit card company, I can always say I brought back the box as proof and gave away the cigars in the DR. Then again, I strongly doubt there is any communication between the banks and ATF or whatever government agency handles it when it comes to chargebacks.
Anyway, here's the photos, I hope....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/gsusser/photo3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/gsusser/photo2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/gsusser/photo1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/gsusser/photo.jpg
I go to different cops for that.
A few years ago, the u.s. treasury was all about catching people and sending warning letters saying youve been caught. Not so much anymore I dont believe, but Id be careful... I wouldnt flaunt it too much (notbsaying you are) and paying via credit card and leaving a paper trail is likely how others were busted, but one-time deal, youre fine.
Give it time.
I was up at my bro in law's place at Easter. He claimed all he ever smoked was Cubans.
Right. Lives north of Philly.