DETROIT — Federal authorities seized more than $20 million in designer jewelry at the Detroit Windsor Tunnel.
The jewelry was destined for a New York auction house where it was to be appraised and eventually sold on behalf of the owner, a Canadian citizen, according to a press release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
MLive reports that the jewelry included “a diamond necklaces, rings and bracelets by Harry Winston.”
The “undeclared and unmanifested” merchandise was discovered after an investigation revealed a courier service was hired to transport the package to a Detroit-based contact, who was to then make final delivery, authorities said.
The driver of the vehicle claimed no knowledge of the contents of the package, and was subsequently returned to Canada, according to the release.
The owner of the jewelry was informed the pieces would be seized based on importation contrary to law and for failure to declare the merchandise upon entry to the U.S.
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“For the traveling public, this example underscores the importance of knowing what is in their possession when attempting to make entry into the United States, and declaring it accordingly,” said Port Director Devin Chamberlain. “Officers in Detroit did an excellent job in discovering and securing this high-value undeclared merchandise.”
Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success
After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone.
Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently.
The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.
