Traveler Detained at Airport with 14,000 Euros worth of Jewelry
An 18-year-old woman from Switzerland found herself in hot water after customs officers at Friedrichshafen Airport seized jewelry worth 14,000 euros on September 10, 2025. The incident marked the second time the customs vehicle had stopped the woman at the border.
The young woman, who was still in training, was on her way home from North Macedonia when customs officers noticed her due to a distinctive gold ring. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the jewelry had not been declared upon her arrival.
According to her own statements, the woman failed to declare the jewelry correctly. The customs officers imposed import duties of 3,000 euros on the jewelry and the woman paid the costs for the missing customs declarations on the same day.
The customs vehicle that stopped the woman had been involved in a previous smuggling incident, but it is unclear whether this played any role in the decision to search the woman.
The woman received the jewelry as a gift from her grandmother, and it is not known whether she intended to sell it or keep it for herself. However, the fact that she failed to declare it upon arrival at the airport has led to a criminal proceeding being initiated against her.
It is worth noting that customs officers also seized dogs and cats (unrelated to the woman's case) during the same time period. The details of that case are not yet known.
This incident serves as a reminder to all travellers to declare all items, including gifts, when entering a new country to avoid any potential issues with customs officers. It is always better to be safe than sorry!
