Urgent Advice Required

[Champagne]

Hi ABers,

I fly out to America next week on business and my neighbour has asked me if I could hand-deliver a package to his cousin whilst I'm out there. I happily said yes, but he gave me the package last night and it's wrapped and I don't know what the contents are. Thing is, I have known Mustafa a while so I should trust him as he's a really friendly guy, but one thing I know about him is that he is a devout muslim and, when on the subject of religion, can be very political and has even described himself as 'fanatic'.

So my question is: If it's a food item is it likely to be confiscated?

[georgit79]

Only if it's Marmite. They don't like that over there, and they call it Vegemite anyway.

[Grunty]

I don't know Mustafa, so this answer is not personal.  It is not food that makes me never carry someone else's parcel into a country.  Remember the people who are serving life sentences for doing just that?  Could Mustafa himself have been fooled by someone exporting drugs?  Also, we have seen pictures in the papers since 7 July of people who were thought to be really nice.

[brachiopod]

If it's a fresh food parcel, Champers, remember it could go off.

[Denise S.]

I wouldn't take ANYTHING for anyone - no matter how nice or how long I had known them.

[flipflop104]

If it were me I'd say that I'd not carry anything unless I was shown what was in the package first. If he has nothing to hide he will not worry about opening the package and showing you what's inside (esp in this day and age). If he's reluctant then refuse.

Also remind him that at the check in desk you will be asked (routinely) if you are carrying something for someone else and you will admit that you are and will be telling them who if they need that info (if it is anything suspect that should scare him into taking it back off you)

[flipflop104]

Oh I forgot to add, you are not allowed to take fruit, dairy and something else (can't remember what soz but a quick google would tell you) into the States

[pega]

I agree Don't risk carrying anything that not yours and they would no doubt question a package and would ask what's in it and if you didn't know your'd certainly be in a tight spot. also how large? you could get out of it by saying can't take it as luggage weight limit also you  say to be hand delivered  are they meeting you.could say your plans have changed and wouldn't be possible flipflop is right get him to open it and show you contents its all too risky for you. I think even presents have to be unwrapped for customs purposes. 

[luckystrike]

Champagne, I have to agree with the others.  Where the package contains food and is likely to be confiscated would be the last of my concerns.  Unless your friend shows you the contents of the parcel, them under no circumstances would I even consider helping him out.

There are plenty of very reliable couriers who can have parcels hand delivered within a day or two to anywhere in the world - albeit at a cost - and if this parcel is important to him, he could avail of these services.

I cannot imaging how scared I'd be if the parcel was being opened by customs, let alone if the contents were found to be illegal.

If you decide to go ahead and deliver the parcel, then why don't you just open the thing up before you go.  If it is all fine, then just wrap it up and claim that it was opened for a routine inspection at the airport.  If you don't like what you see, then do what you feel is right, i.e., return the parcel to Mustafa, go to the police, etc.

[Dom Tuk]

NO NO NO....under no circumstances carry anything for anybody if it is wrapped. I was once asked by a neighbour to bring something back from a foreign country. Her friend would deliver it at my parental home abroad. I insisted that it should be opened. Inside were medication including things like paracetomol tablets and antacid tablets. It would all have cost about �15 here. I flew into a rage and told the person in no uncertain terms that it is preposterrous and not to even think of doing that again.

[delboy3]

reel 'em in, champagne, reel 'em in...

[Hermia]

Remember they always ask you whether you have personally packed your bags and cases yourself. So, if you say you haven't you'll be in trouble and if you lie and say you have you may also be in trouble!

[Glossopswift]

Just a thought � would it fit in yer bum? That might save you a lot of hassle.

[louadams6]

i personally wouldnt take it but if you feel that you should i think you should try to find out what its contents are. the americans are very strict upon entry to their country and as said in previous answers you could up in a load of hassle yourself.

[Emily Ball]

We're a gullible old lot on the whole are'nt we! Didn't anybody wonder why delboy3 got 3 stars?

[louadams6]

ha ha emily ball, never wondered why he got three stars but can see it now! glad your minds still sharp at this time of night!

[Peri]

Wind up of the Day Award goes to   ........   opening gold envelope ......... Champagne  ....... tumultuous round of applause

[brachiopod]

Who are you calling gullible, Emily? And where's my stars Champers?

Third post down, Weds, 19.56;

"If it's a fesh food parcel....it might go off "

I was going to post "..might go off in the hold" or add a "boom boom!" at the end (a la Basil Brush), but I didn't want to be too unsubtle.  ;o)

[brachiopod]

Not to worry, it's not the first time it's happened.....

see Answerbank Question 133513

[dissotheref]

Unless you have seen the contents and verify what they are NO!!

[ballboy]

very funny... cant believe some people gave serious answers !