I've always been a little uncomfortable going through customs even though I don't have need or use for illegal stuff. I have long hair and a beard, and I've known many over-zealous and officious enforcement guys who joke about what they've pulled on people to prove a point or as a joke. Going through customs in Moscow was probably the worst for me, but no problems and pleasant enough officers in and out. Australia was tough as I didn't know until the dogs were sniffing that they would not not allow my South African Eagle Owl feather. I knew if I said anything it was gone, so I didn't, and I'll know not to take it there again. Having this conversation with people from all over the world, they all fear US customs above all others. On my way in from South Africa, I was held at the gate in Atlanta while the ivory guy was summoned. I kept saying the elephant amulet was carved from bone, and therefore legal, but no go. From thirty feet away I heard a voice
asking why they were detaining me, he could see that far away it wasn't ivory, and he began apologizing. No worries, friend, they're just making sure,
and why don't you show them how to tell the difference, since we're all here anyway. No matter the law, individual agents can be mistaken or malicious,
and the result is a nightmare of paperwork to get it back. Much simpler to
let Jeff be a good neighbor.