BajaNomad - Fined for Crossing Back into US with Fruit

Fined for Crossing Back into US with Fruit

sancho - 10-7-2010 at 04:39 PM

Recently a couple of incidents of US Citizens crossing back
to the US, this was at an Ariz. crossing,
were fined by US Customs $350 dollars for
2 avacados, 1 mango. Another $300 for
2 apples
Dennis, Apparently that is what did happen,
when asked by Customs if he has any fruits or
vegatables the response was no, then inspection
leads to finding the offending contraband is
where the infraction comes in. Back in the day
when you could get 4 avo's for a buck in
Mex would be the only time I would bring anything back

[Edited on 10-9-2010 by sancho]

DENNIS - 10-7-2010 at 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sancho
Recently a couple of incidents of US Citizens crossing back
to the US, this was at an Ariz. crossing,
were fined by US Customs $350 dollars for
2 avacados, 1 mango. Another $300 for
2 apples

I don't believe it. They always give you the option to trash it. It ain't drugs.

OOOOPS..I just gave this a bit more thought. Perhaps they said they had nothing to declair and were busted for lying.
Shame on them if that's the case.

[Edited on 10-7-2010 by DENNIS]

Hard to Believe

MrBillM - 10-7-2010 at 04:52 PM

When I was caught (albeit many years ago) with a hidden case of Beer and written up, the fine was only 2 cents per ounce.

Meat, Fruit, Vegetables they've always simply thrown in the Trashcan.

sanquintinsince73 - 10-7-2010 at 04:53 PM

Probably was not their first time getting caught. Each time you cross, the agent has the option of writing a little something about you on the computer. When he scanned their passports/visas, there was probably something in the comments section under each of their names pertaining to having been caught before. It's happened to me with my US passport.

David K - 10-7-2010 at 04:55 PM

1) To be fined, they must have lied to the inspector about having the fruit?

2) They must not be Nomads with the best travel data around!

BajaWarrior - 10-7-2010 at 04:57 PM

Well we have landed on the "secondary list" as we were caught with an avacado, yes, those dangerous avacados which was from our tree in San Diego.

We were told of a fine that could be placed on this serious infraction but was spared the expense. They did say it could be about $300. If we have one or more left over when heading home now we just smash it, toss the skin and have at home later.

Yes, there are much more serious offenses at the border, this is just ridiculous.

sanquintinsince73 - 10-7-2010 at 04:58 PM

I see some nuts are permitted...that explains my neighbors.

DENNIS - 10-7-2010 at 04:58 PM

The more I think about it, I think they should have been thrown in prison and sexually violated.......then, denied parole and violated some more.
This is America....gawwwdammmit. We don't tolerate anybody violating our laws.

sanquintinsince73 - 10-7-2010 at 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
The more I think about it, I think they should have been thrown in prison and sexually violated.......then, denied parole and violated some more.
This is America....gawwwdammmit. We don't tolerate anybody violating our laws.

'cept if your here illegally then you and Gloria Allred can go on national television and accuse your former employer of knowing that you were here illegally.

bajabass - 10-7-2010 at 05:16 PM

Ever since I was sent to secondary and reprimanded for bringing back sliced deli ham from Ralph's, I bring nothing back but the chips and cookies I MUST have. Hey, can't find them here. :no:

Oh, when is Meg's illegal housekeeper going home? :?:

DENNIS - 10-7-2010 at 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sanquintinsince73
'cept if your here illegally then you and Gloria Allred can go on national television and accuse your former employer of knowing that you were here illegally.

I hope you see my tongue in cheek. I think this whole thing is ridiculous.

DENNIS - 10-7-2010 at 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabass
Ever since I was sent to secondary and reprimanded for bringing back sliced deli ham from Ralph's, I bring nothing back but the chips and cookies I MUST have. Hey, can't find them here. :no:

Oh, when is Meg's illegal housekeeper going home? :?:

Total freakin nonsense, but it's on us to know the regulations and not test them. That is one zone where we have to obey the law by the letter.

And for the bug-eyed nanny? That hot potato is home. Who would have the huevos to touch her now?

jeans - 10-7-2010 at 05:28 PM

Okra should never be allowed into the country :barf:

DENNIS - 10-7-2010 at 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jeans
Okra should never be allowed into the country :barf:

Or Brussle Sprouts....however the garbage is spelled.

BajaGringo - 10-7-2010 at 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by jeans
Okra should never be allowed into the country :barf:

Or Brussle Sprouts....however the garbage is spelled.

Didn't child protective services outlaw those things? My mom would make me stay at the table for hours after everyone else had finished eating trying to make me swallow those God awful little green hand grenades...

By the way - I think they are spelled Brussel Sprouts.

[Edited on 10-8-2010 by BajaGringo]

bajabass - 10-7-2010 at 05:48 PM

Hey, a lot of butter and salt, you can choke the little green monsters down!

bajabass - 10-7-2010 at 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Oh, when is Meg's illegal housekeeper going home? :?:

Righto, but the law is the law! :yes:

BajaGringo - 10-7-2010 at 06:15 PM

Who knew? The retched things even have a facebook page:

I Hate Brussel Sprouts

:lol:

sanquintinsince73 - 10-7-2010 at 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabass

Oh, when is Meg's illegal housekeeper going home? :?:

I'm sure Oprah's gonna have her on her show. I'm sure they'll give her some sort of visa.

Prohibited Frutas

MrBillM - 10-7-2010 at 07:08 PM

The last time across, the agent asked me if I was bringing back any apples.

I responded "WHO would bring Apples INTO the U.S." ?

She said I'd be surprised.

Yeah, I would.

Baja&Back - 10-7-2010 at 09:01 PM

We were threatened once by a 4'10 Philipina American border guard with a $3000.00 fine and possible incarceration for a can of Campbell's Beef & Barley soup we didn't declare. She said we were jeopardizing the national security of the United States of America.

But for her Glock, I wudda slapped the b-tch upside her swollen head!
:fire:

sanquintinsince73 - 10-7-2010 at 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja&Back
We were threatened once by a 4'10 Philipina American border guard with a $3000.00 fine and possible incarceration for a can of Campbell's Beef & Barley soup we didn't declare. She said we were jeopardizing the national security of the United States of America.

But for her Glock, I wudda slapped the b-tch upside her swollen head!
:fire:

Lee - 10-8-2010 at 06:32 AM

Quote:

Wouldn't it be funny if this story were true and the perp didn't see her Glock, made a move to slap the bltch, and she did a double tap to his head? Hahaha.

DianaT - 10-8-2010 at 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
Who knew? The retched things even have a facebook page:

I Hate Brussel Sprouts

:lol:

Hey, I like those great little cabbage things. :yes:

But please don't tell me Okra has its own Facebook page- :barf:

BillP - 10-8-2010 at 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
Who knew? The retched things even have a facebook page:

I Hate Brussel Sprouts

:lol:

Hey, I like those great little cabbage things. :yes:

But please don't tell me Okra has its own Facebook page- :barf:

Okra Facebook Page

k-rico - 10-8-2010 at 07:50 AM

When I first started visiting Baja in the mid 70s a buddy and I went to TJ and on the way back bought two bottles of Tequila. I didn't know that at the time the law was one liter per person per month.

"what did you buy in Mexico?"

"two bottles of Tequila"

"when was the last time you bought Tequila in Mexico?"

"a couple of weeks ago"

"you need to go to secondary inspection"

The guard put a small plastic cone on the hood of my orange '71 Plymouth Duster with a black vinyl top and I drove to secondary and turned off the 8-track playing a Cream tape. The guard there explained the rule, took the Tequila and I watched as he opened them and poured the Tequila in a special sink with gizmos that held the bottles up side down.

ALCOHOL ABUSE!!!

At least that is how I remember it today, after 30+ years. But I still have a visual of the sink and inverted bottles emptying out. A lasting impression. It was sad to watch.

[Edited on 10-8-2010 by k-rico]

wessongroup - 10-8-2010 at 08:23 AM

Two of my favorites "Brussle Sprouts" and "Okra" .... can remember much the same at the dinner table... only difference.... my brothers and sisters plus my Dad would slip me theirs... when my mom went to get something from the kitchen..

The only one my Dad liked was Okra.. fried in corn meal.. which I also still fix myself today...

My wife does not like either ... but, will make them for me... but, she really doesn't think of them too much.. she hates them too...

This is a recipe that I would like to try... have never had them prepared in this manner... always just steamed till soft and then add butter and what ever else is around...

Might be good... seems a few folks liked them prepared in this manner... even some that hated them...

[Edited on 10-8-2010 by wessongroup]

[Edited on 10-8-2010 by wessongroup]

BRUSSELS SPROUTS!

Marla Daily - 10-8-2010 at 08:23 AM

BRUSSELS SPROUTS!

[Edited on 10-8-2010 by Marla Daily]

krafty - 10-8-2010 at 08:52 AM

Ina Garten is the best-bet this recipe is worth a try-I like brussel sprouts and okra is great as a thickening agent in a gumbo or stew-doesn't really have much taste-

MitchMan - 10-8-2010 at 10:03 AM

Don't like Brussel Sprouts, but, they are great as an ingredient in a vegetable soup. Very "vegetal" tasting contribution to the soup yet they tak on the flavor of the broth when done. I am a crazed "foodie", too.

Tres Virgenes is great. Buffalo place is good, however, it is a little pricey for what you get, atmosphere isn't as sophisticated and fine as T.V., outside eating area is a little claustraphobic, but I do like the food presentation of their side plated acoutrements. All in all, a good place to eat. Nice wine room/celler, if you are into that sort of thing.

?

MrBillM - 10-8-2010 at 07:04 PM

What's a Philipina ?

bajabass - 10-8-2010 at 07:24 PM

You must be bored Bill. A phemale of philipino phamily heritage of course!!
:biggrin:

Tsk Tsk Tsk

Gypsy Jan - 10-8-2010 at 07:47 PM

Those dang commie libuuurel grammer spelling policistas aint no never welcome here! Mr. Billm should be banned!!!

Yeah, Right

MrBillM - 10-8-2010 at 09:07 PM

Literacy is something of a Sin in Nomad Land.

Or, so it appears, given how frequently so many avoid it.

Nappo - 10-8-2010 at 09:31 PM

Years ago we always worried about how much alcohol we brought back - does a 6 pack equal a quart? The border agents had a simple job then. Recently we got pulled into secondary at Tecate and had nothing. They found 2 slices of ham from costco. Put it on top of my Explorer. Agent went in and did their thing. Came back and said "leave". My buddy pulled the ham off the top of the car and away we went! I do not wish to trash these people as they play such an important role in our protection, but sometimes you just have to wonder!

David K - 10-8-2010 at 09:51 PM

3 beers = Liter (quart) or 12 oz x 3 = 36 oz (close enough to 32 oz per the inspectors (a liter is close to 34 oz.). Two adults in a car will allow you to bring a six pack of Mexican beer back... wow!

durrelllrobert - 10-9-2010 at 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sanquintinsince73
I see some nuts are permitted...that explains my neighbors.

... also some fruits (if they are headed for the Castro in San Francisco :lol:

durrelllrobert - 10-9-2010 at 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jeans
Okra should never be allowed into the country :barf:

she got in anyway. Ooops, I misread that as Oprah :lol:

durrelllrobert - 10-9-2010 at 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wessongroup

This is a recipe that I would like to try... have never had them prepared in this manner... always just steamed till soft and then add butter and what ever else is around...

...

we used to buy them on the stalk from field in Half Moon Bay, brush each sprout with olive oil and throw the whole thing in the oven to roast. everyone just picked them off stalk as thy ate them. couldn't be any fresher tasting. :coolup:

astrobaja - 10-9-2010 at 10:01 AM

A few years back we were crossing the border at Tecate with our pop up trailer and unfortunately gasp! A bag of apples from the ranch at La Concepcion! Well when the inspector saw it he flipped and into secondary we went! Took about an hour search of the pop up along with a lecture the whole time on the evils of fruit! I jokingly mentioned that agri-business was setting itself up for a big fall on day with its practices of monocultures, surprisingly he agreed!
We did'nt get a fine but despite their "thorough" search they failed to see a big branch of manzanita wood strapped in plain view to the front of the pop up! Another no no apparently! We were closing up the trailer when I whispered to my Wife to make haste before they see the wood!

DENNIS - 10-9-2010 at 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert

I don't care what you do to them. They'll still be vile.

.

wessongroup - 10-9-2010 at 10:18 AM

Don't for get to eat your "greens"....

The other at our house... "liver and onions"....

Even my Dad hated it.. but, would eat it....

Everyone SHALL clean their plate.... :lol:

Cleaning Your Plate

MrBillM - 10-9-2010 at 06:49 PM

Liver is very near the top of my list of the Most Distasteful foods.

And, to this day, my most miserable memory of Basic Training was the one night every week (Tuesday, I think) when the Mess Hall served Liver.

Sitting at attention, not looking Left or Right and having to eat ALL of it is a memory worse than ANY Guard Duty, Obstacle Course, punitive drill or any other (of the many) distasteful experiences.

I haven't eaten the crap again in almost Fifty years.

DENNIS - 10-9-2010 at 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
Liver is very near the top of my list of the Most Distasteful foods.

And, to this day, my most miserable memory of Basic Training was the one night every week (Tuesday, I think) when the Mess Hall served Liver.

Sitting at attention, not looking Left or Right and having to eat ALL of it is a memory worse than ANY Guard Duty, Obstacle Course, punitive drill or any other (of the many) distasteful experiences.

Just the opposite for me. I love the stuff.
Why did you have to sit at attention when you ate? Sounds punative or like some kind of academy crap.

WHY Attention ?

MrBillM - 10-9-2010 at 08:30 PM

WHY Ask WHY ? It wasn't punitive in the sense that it was something enforced on everyone.

It was just another of those STUPID methods of instilling discipline that didn't make any sense to me.

Conditioning to accept and follow orders without question, I suppose.

castaway$ - 10-10-2010 at 10:06 AM

I have a friend that many years ago drove to mex and wanted tpo bring back some tequila, he had his couple bottles which he declared however he forgot about the beer in his ice chest in the back so he was deemed a "smuggler".
Now when he goes he ALWAYS gets pulled off to secondary and checked very thoroughly :no:

sanquintinsince73 - 10-10-2010 at 10:14 AM

I don't mind getting searched in secondary because I know it is a national security issue or the well being of our agriculture. What I don't like are the attitudes that these jamokes display 90% of the time. They sure get pi$$ed when I let them know that all's they are is public servants.

rts551 - 10-10-2010 at 10:26 AM

Ya. Just dumb public servants. Like our soldiers, school teachers, police, fire fighters, etc etc...Personally, I always thank them for their service.

Quote:

Originally posted by sanquintinsince73
I don't mind getting searched in secondary because I know it is a national security issue or the well being of our agriculture. What I don't like are the attitudes that these jamokes display 90% of the time. They sure get pi$$ed when I let them know that all's they are is public servants.

DENNIS - 10-10-2010 at 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
WHY Ask WHY ?

Why do you ask??

DENNIS - 10-10-2010 at 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sanquintinsince73
They sure get pi$$ed when I let them know that all's they are is public servants.

It may feel good to say that to them, but I doubt it facilitates your rapid release from secondaty.
Just grin and bear it. It's not going to change any time soon. It's only a game. If you let them get to you, you're the loser.

Lee - 10-10-2010 at 11:09 AM

Quote:

''Jamokes?'' That's a new one on me.

This kind of attitude doesn't surprise me as there are lots of folks who don't like authority figures, law enforcement, or generally being told what to do.

Those on the front lines at the border are over worked and under paid, and stressed to the max. That probably means nothing to yahoos wanting to get through as quickly as possible.

Public servants deserve respect whether they give respect or not. A humble and helpful attitude will get the process over than pi$$ing them off.

What a totally arrogant attitude to take with these men and women.

Get over yourself!

krafty - 10-10-2010 at 12:12 PM

What peees us off is when you get sent to secondary and wait..and wait..and wait. In front of your car are 5 or 6 agents coffee klatching-at least go inside and do it!

DENNIS - 10-10-2010 at 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by krafty
What peees us off is when you get sent to secondary and wait..and wait..and wait. In front of your car are 5 or 6 agents coffee klatching-at least go inside and do it!

That's their game. Don't think for a second that they arn't watching you for signs of nervousness. It's like the poker player looking for the "tell" in his opponent. The twitch of the nose when he has something bad or the clearing of the throat when he has something good.
Just relax and wait it out. It'll be over soon. It's not a root canal.

Bajafun777 - 10-10-2010 at 12:49 PM

What they do not tell us all the time and probably should are the known thugs bent on harming United States citizens that they catch at the border. Many of these have direct links back to the Middle East hate American card carrying crazies. A number of leads from these arrested idiots is enough to grab a few more trying the same crap!! I have experienced the good, the bad and ugly while crossing but it is their Winter Wonderland" and they deal with more knotheads that we experience with their knotheads. So, advise given of "grin and bear it" is the best advise,LOL!! Take Care and Travel Safe--------- "No Hurry, No Worry, Just Fun" bajafun777

sanquintinsince73 - 10-10-2010 at 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee

Quote:

Does not even rate a reply.