Western wrote:
El Silencioso wrote:
 I have never been given a second look by customs in Chicago woth 2-3 bottles in my checked luggage.  I have done this numerous times and have never paid a duty charge returning to the US
Hope this helps
..........I've been pulled aside for a "routine" inspection & was given the good cop / bad cop treatment, attempts to trip me up, etc. Just about everything short of waterboarding & the rubber hose treatment! Everything in my bags was declared & I was under the duty free limit. Finally, the jerks a$$ inspector's boss came over & he straightened up & let me go. I hate thos A5$ HOLES!......
OK, I’m gonna chim in here.  In my opinion after briefly sharing a couple of drinks and some good conversation; this good fellow looks honest.   He seems to be a “guy’s guy†and (now putting on my Customs Hat) upon first observation, “he’s probably not smuggling drugs, he’s not packing uncooked meat and agriculture items, and he’s probably not packing a suitcase of pearls from Hong Kong.  So, why look in this guys luggage, I think I will look in the eco-tourist’s luggage. 
Having said that, and given it some thought, El Silencioso, would you consider “muleing†in a box of Partigas Series D #4 cigars for me?  Just wondering.