"Customs Seize 749 Cartons of Cigarettes from Cruise Ship Passengers in Long Beach"
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"Customs Seize 749 Cartons of Cigarettes from Cruise Ship Passengers in Long Beach"
[!CDATA[Two passengers arriving at a Southern California port via a cruise ship were discovered with a significant quantity of cigarettes in their luggage, according to federal border agents. The agents found 749 cartons of cigarettes in 10 pieces of luggage in Long Beach on April 17. The two women in possession of the cigarettes had receipts indicating legal purchase but lacked the necessary paperwork to import such a large quantity into the U.S. They had just disembarked from a cruise ship originating from Ensenada, Mexico. Cheryl M. Davies, the director of field operations in Los Angeles for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, emphasized the consequences of intentionally disregarding U.S. importation laws and regulations. The seized cigarettes, which included various brands such as Newport and Marlboro, had an estimated street value of $59,920. The agency stated that the cigarettes would be destroyed, but did not disclose whether the passengers faced any legal repercussions. Long Beach, located approximately 30 miles south of Los Angeles, served as the port of entry where the cigarettes were discovered. The incident highlights the importance of complying with importation laws and regulations when traveling internationally.]]