29 Apr 2008 8:06 PM:
Hi Sonia
My husband and I had both been in on foot and went on a trip to see the monkeys. We then went back to the car as we were coming up to the time that we had paid on the parking meter. My husband then said that he needed to get some Tobacco for a couple of his friends so we went back in and purchased it and looked round a few of the shops and had a drink etc. As we were near to the time that the meter would be running out my husband ran on in front and left me with the tobacco. I must admit that as we had 3 packs I did panic and left one in my bag and then went into the toilet at the airport and put the others round the top of my trousers and pulled my jumper over the top. When I went back through Customs the same lady was at the desk and she recognised me. I think I must have looked guilty because even though I only had one pack in my bag she made me go in the back and take my jumper off. I was absolutely terrified and as they only spoke Spanish I could not understand them. My husband was worried where I had got to and came back in to find me. They kept me there for about an hour and then made me pay the duty for the 2 packs which were over the limit and gave me a receipt for the duty. They asked for my address in Spain which I gave them. I thought that would be the last I heard of it. This happened at New Year and when I went out a couple of weeks ago there was a special delivery postcard in my box. I went to La Cala Post Office but they said that after 7 days the letter had gone back to the sender. I left the paperwork that they gave me with my property management lady and she said she would sort it out for me. I was amazed when I then returned to the UK to find that the solicitor who had handled the purchase of my apartment had sent me an e/mail and that the Customs had written to her to give me three options i.e. pay 600 euros, appeal or If they do not hear from me they will seize my Spanish bank account.
My Spanish lawyer is looking into this for me but after 2 weeks I have still not heard from her what is going to happen. I constantly phone her and e/mail her but at the moment I am no further forward. I would contact the Customs Office myself but do not know how to do so as their website is in Spanish.
Thread:
Bringing in excess tobacco from Gibralta - help please!
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