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.”