A Nova Scotia man has been handed a $7,500 fine after tens of thousands of dollars in undeclared jewelry was found in his luggage at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
The Canada Border Services Agency says Blaire Vincent Martell pleaded guilty in Dartmouth provincial court Thursday to evading the payment of duties and taxes on three pieces of jewelry.
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The agency says on March 24, Martell and his wife arrived at the airport after being out of the country for four weeks, and had a combined declaration of under $300 in goods.
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During an examination of their baggage, officers found a bracelet and two rings that were purchased while outside of Canada, valued at approximately $35,000.
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Martell was fined $7,500, and if he wants the jewelry back, he will have to pay the Canada Border Services Agency a civil penalty of $17,334.
The agency is warning travellers to truthfully declare their purchases when returning to Canada.
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