DCPR ON CUBAN CIGAR SEIZURES

THE ORIGIN OF THE CIGAR BOX by DCPR

2012-11-19T10:01:00.000-08:00

THE CIGAR BOX

1 866 977-2983 (toll free)

By Don Collins

THE ALL IMPORTANT DCPR LAQUERED CEDAR BOX

DCPR cigars are made by Puerto Rico Tobacco Corporation. PRTC is the oldest company in the world that makes a cigar. Early on after the amalgamation of caribbean cigar companies under the flag of the Puerto Rico Tobacco Products Corporation the first Cedar Boxes were made for cigars. Cedar Boxes had the reliable advantage of perfect humidification. All cigars, in the beginning, were shipped by sea and like all agricultural products were marked with a large stamp that said SHIT (Ship High In Transit). Remember the sides of the ships in those days were swamped all day with ocean spray and waves.

Most of the cigars were packed in paper bundles and saved inside burlap bags and then put into wood crates. The crates were loosely jointed and allowed insects (mainly the tobacco mite) and fungus and viruses to flourish during the two to three month journey to the warehouses in America and from six to ten months on journeys to Europe.

The Puerto Rico Tobacco Products Corporation determined that more product would be viable upon arrival at its destination if individually boxed for transpoprtation in Wooden Boxes. These early cedar boxes were made from the trees in Cidra, Puerto Rico. And, wouldn't you know that these trees are the original forest that gave birth to Spanish Cedar in Spain!

The almost airtight, insect proof, naturally humidifying cedar was the first wood used and prevails today as the base for the best cigar boxes in the world. Finishes vary, but PRTC has found that the most attractive is the natural cedar wood with a coat of laquer to ensure moisture proof storage over long periods of time. The boxes have changed little since the beginning.

CUBAN TOBACCO WIPED OUT BY HURRICANE

2012-10-30T04:53:00.002-07:00

CUBAN TOBACCO WIPED OUT

Hurricane Sandy Wipes Out Cuban Tobacco Crops (see colored areas on map)

By Don Collins

For the fifth time in 10 years the Areas of Santiago de Cuba, Bayamo, Las tuknas, Marti, Camaguey, Santa Claor, Pedro Betarcourt Colon, and Pinar del Rio have been ripped apart by Hurricanes. Irene and Sandy have done most of the final damage, recently to the tobacco crops in cuba. Supporting articles and details appear below. It takes five to ten years to grow and cure proper cigar tobacco on the island. Beginning ten years ago Cuba began to import most of its cigar tobacco from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica and fell well behind in quality and quantity of production.

Many visitors to cuba represent that they have a "connection" at a Cuban cigar factory, but in fact the cigars from Cuba have been on back order and have been up until now divided on a percentage basis between the five largest distributors of cigars in the world. Now, and from now on, the only authentic thing about Cuban cigars is the ring or box they come in. And many of those will have to be reproductions from other islands or countries for the time being. Every agricultural product on the island has been damaged severely or destroyed.

5th major direct hit on Cuban Tobacco Crops in 10 Years

From Peter Orsis (Associated Press)

HAVANA—Residents of Cuba's second-largest city of Santiago remained without power or running water Monday, four days after Hurricane Sandy made landfall as the island's deadliest storm in seven years, ripping rooftops from homes and toppling power lines.

Across the Caribbean, the storm's death toll rose to 69, including 52 people in Haiti, 11 in Cuba, two in the Bahamas, two in the Dominican Republic, one in Jamaica and one in Puerto Rico.

Cuban authorities have not yet estimated the economic toll, but the Communist Party newspaper Granma reported there was "severe damage to housing, economic activity, fundamental public services and institutions of education, health and culture."

Not even more substantial structures survived

Yolanda Tabio, a native of Santiago, said she had never seen anything like it in all her 64 years: Broken hotel and shop windows, trees blown over onto houses, people picking through piles of debris for a scrap of anything to cover their homes. On Sunday, she sought solace in faith.

"The Mass was packed. Everyone crying," said Tabio, whose house had no electricity, intermittent phone service and only murky water coming out of the tap on Monday. "I think it will take five to ten years to recover. ... But we're alive."

Sandy came onshore early Thursday just west of Santiago, a city of about 500,000 people in agricultural southeastern Cuba. It is the island's deadliest storm since 2005's Hurricane Dennis, a category 5 monster that killed 16 people and did $2.4 billion in damage.

By Don Collins

PRTC (PUROTABACO) of Puerto Rico has been trying to contact CUBATABACO, Cuba's government run cigar industry to find out the true extent of the damage. Independent reports have confirmed that the industry has been completely wiped out. The soil has been leeched by excessive flooding of important chemicals needed to re-plant tobacco crops and the availability of the necessary chemicals is low and what is available is too expensive. Cuba will have to depend on tobacco, coffee and other agricultural imorts for the forseeable future. Santiago, Cuba (right).

In a related investigation PUROTABACO has found that the supply of original cigars held on the island has also been wiped out and that the remaining products in the hands of distributors are largely discovered to be fake shipments of "cuban" cigars from other parts of the world, including China, and what few real cubans there were are gone in the normal course of business. No one expected this to happen. This is an unfortunate situation and there has been an unfortunate loss of life. We are all praying for the Cuban people who didn't have a whole lot to begin with.

Don't get ripped off by old photos on the internet, or by fast talking salesmen from outside the US. THERE JUST ARE NO MORE CUBANS. Call toll free with questions: 1 866 977-2983 and ask about the original Cuban Tobacco from DCPR... get the real deal, get the real story, get what you want or get what you deserve! http://www.don-collins.com

THE DON COLLINS LONSDALE LF EVERY DAY CIGAR

2012-10-27T05:18:00.005-07:00

DCPR LONSDALE LF

EVERY DAY CIGAR

The DCPR LONSDALE LF

When you step into the DCPR office and you check the price list you see $14.00 for the Lonsdale LF. Selling cigars one at a time does that to a price. Imagine the waste, the shrink and consider that we replenish the cigars every three or 4 days sold or not - and you get $14.00 per cigar.

THE LONSDALE LF
HOLDS A GREAT ASH

If you try one (we hand them out free to prospective clients) you will find a unique blend of real tobaccos that are unhampered in any way by chemical sprays, presevatives, bug killers, mite killers or fungicides. All those chemicals, mandated by the FAA and FTC for shipping (tobacco is a vegatable leaf) change the taste of the cigar. They give a pungent, very strong taste that will sting your eyes and tongue. Some imports have been sprayed so many times that when the chemicals finally burn along with the tobacco the natural filtration process that occurs as the smoke draws through the cigar can change the chemicals into poisons that will turn you green. Oh ! You've heard about that?

DCPR HUMIDOR & ACCESSORIES

The chemical sprays are carcinogens that cause cancer. They are never naturally ocurring in tobacco leaves. Men get used to the strong taste of these chemicals and mistake it for body and actually acquire a taste for the chemical burn. Puerto Rican tobacco is never sprayed. We are part of the United States and as such we are not allowed to use any chemicals on the leaves at any stage of growing or curing and we are not allowed to put any chemicals into the soil. So if you want a "strong" DCPR you will have to put it into your humidor for about two weeks and wait for the natural cure to increase the strength. If it is strength you want then cure your Lonsdale LF for four to six weeks. The longer you cure your cigars in your humidor the stronger they will get.

Now, back to the price and how to make these wonders of nature super-affordable! Join the DCPR cigar club. You will get a 70% discount on the bundles of 25 and you will get a second bundle of 25 cigars free with every purchase. There are some rules: you have to order twice a year for a total of 100 cigars. But your PRICE is only $3.18 a cigar inclding shipping, processing and all taxes.

Join the Don Collins Cigar Club and get a lifetime guaranteed 70% off regular prices. Allways get a second bundle of cigars free (two free bundles if you call 787 977-2983 to join), we have a money back guarantee (without a receipt of any kind or any time limit), and we promise to deliver your cigars via 3 day priority mail, insured and delivery guaranteed. You will also be eligible for our holiday raffles and your name will be included in every raffle we hold as long as you are a club member. So, you can win humidors, rum, cigars, sportswear and more. Check our website for further details, just visit http://www.don-collins.com . Start enjoying the benefits of being a member of the Don Collins Family TODAY !

NOW AVAILABLE IN THIS LIMITED EDITION

DCPR CEDAR CIGAR BOX
CALL 1 866 977-2983 TOLL FREE

DCPR NOW AVAILABLE IN FIRST LIMITED EDITION 168 CEDAR BOXES

2012-10-26T04:37:00.004-07:00

THE NEW DCPR FIRST

LIMITED EDITION 168

By Don Collins

Photos by Marcos Gonzalez

CALL TOLL FREE 1 866 977-2983 OR LOG ON http://www.don-collins.com

As a Don Collins Club Member You will get 70% of all bundles of 25 cigars and you will receive a second bundle of 25 Don Collins cigars of equal price as your purchase or lower, FREE ! Your cigars will be guaranteed for life without the need to save a receipt or an invoice. You will save $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the cigar you smoke. You will be eligible for our Buy one Get 2 Free Don Collins bundle sales when we have them and you will be included automatically in six drawings a year when we pick winners for humidors, hats, t-shirts, cigars, mugs, coffee, rum, cutters, matches and more. We also have attractive offers for the coffee club. Call or log on to http://www.don-collins.com to join the Don Collins Family!

There are only 168 DCPR Boxes in the First Edition

You will receive a Limited Edition Box from DCPR. There will be no more made exactly like these...forever! The boxes are designed to keep your cigars fresh past our two year guarantee. Call Soon 1 866 977-2983 or Log on http://www.don-collins.com to get yours today.

DON COLLINS PUERTO RICO VINTAGE COLLECTOR'S CEDAR BOXES

2012-10-24T05:03:00.003-07:00

THIS IS THE TOBACCO THAT MADE

CUBA FAMOUS

The Taino Indians owned all the land from Hispanola to Aruba (Cuba to Aruba). The island chain was called Borinken, a name preserved in Puerto Rico even now. The Taino Indians grew tobacco on all the islands and annually had a gathering in Puerto Rico called Sik'ar (Sikar). It was here that Columbus saw tobacco rolled and smoked in tubes for the first time in history. He took the products and practice of rolling back to spain as "cigarros".

DCPR PIRAMIDE, CHURCHILL, CORONA GRANDE, LONSDALE LF, LONSDALE & LONSDALE RUM

THIS IS THE SAME EXACT TOBACCO FROM PUERTO RICO

The most reputed tobacco growing district of Cuba, Vuelta Abajo, became the major theater of operations during the 1897 and 1898 campaigns of the second war for cukban independence (1895-1898). This war was also known as the Spanish American War. The conflict dislocated production and the relocation policies of the Spanish regime severely constrained the time that growers and work hands could dedicate to the plantations. Cigar Tobacco Production ended abruptly in Cuba. Cigars from Puerto Rico became the largest export from the Caribbean Islands before and after the war.

At the end of the war, large areas of the heavy and sandy clay soils in Cuba were barren and laid to waste. Seed for the 1898-99 harvest was scarce and needed to be imported from other areas as corporate and individual planters required excellent seed to maintain the markets and international reputation of their leaf. According to the authoritative Angel González del Valle growers generally imported the seeds from Puerto Rico.

1. González Fernández (1996), pp. 310-312

2. Lestina (1940), p. 45-46.

3. González del Valle (1929), pp. 61-62.

4. Ceballos (1899).

DCPR NEW CEDAR BOXES

2012-10-22T03:58:00.004-07:00

DCPR NEW CEDAR BOXES

Photos by

Marcos Gonzalez

CALL TOLL FREE 1 866 977-2983 OR LOG ON http://www.don-collins.com

There are only 168 DCPR Boxes in the First Edition

DCPR CIGAR CLUB MEMBERS

2012-10-14T04:06:00.003-07:00

DCPR CIGAR CLUB MEMBERS

Just Some Photos of the DCPR Cigar Club Family

DCPR CIGARS COFFEE RUM

2012-10-13T04:21:00.000-07:00

DCPR

DCPR cigars are made in the oldest cigar factory in the world. The Taino Indians began the tradition of cigar making in Puerto Rico about 4,000 years before then. Contact us on FB, Orkut, Linked In, Branch Out, YouTube, G+, Blogger.com or Toll FREE 1 866 977-2983 or log on http://www.don-collins.com - ask about the low low prices and high quality !

DCPR COFFEE - Don Collins Café

2012-10-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

DON COLLINS CAFE

WWW.DON-COLLINS.COM

5 LBS 1LB Whole Bean or Ground

It's hard to tell about the quality claims from most internet postings. This blog, however, is very different. Those of you who are already in the Don Collins Family (Coffee Club) already know our absurdly good coffee. There's no secret. Anyone in the world who grows and roasts their own coffee can do it. But when profit becomes the sole motivation for production there is no time put into the development of great flavors. No two batches of coffee are the same. Someone has to be there to figure out which blends of roasted beans will make the best tasting coffee. And of course, someone has to be there to figure which beans to start with and how each set of beans need to be roasted to maximize flavor. We don't take a mass approach to roasting. It is done in small batches, and then blended, the old fashioned way.

The Don Collins Coffee growing process is unique to the altitude and temperature in which the Arabica trees grow. Then at harvest time, our field generals make sure only the ruby red beans come off the trees. We don't have giant shakers that move down the field taking everything as they pass by. Don Collins Coffee is picked by hand, bean by bean. Sun up to sun down, and then some.

There are several selection processes that ensue, each one separating the beans for further greatness of flavor and quality roasting. It's not easy but we do it and present it to you at much less than half the price of other premium coffees. Call DCPR Toll Free 1 866 977-2983 or log on www.don-collins.com

You will not be disappointed!

DONT GET LEFT BEHIND - JOIN THE DCPR CLUBS NOW

2012-10-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

Don't Get Left Behind! Join DCPR Clubs NOW!!!

WWW.DON-COLLINS.COM

JOIN THE DCPR CIGAR AND COFFEE CLUBS

Don't get left behind. Call Toll FREE 1 866 977-2983 to get 70% off regular prices for any bundle of 25 cigars and get a second bundle of 25 cigars FREE. Cigar members save from $1,500 to $3,000 a year on their cigars depending on price and quantity. Call the Toll FREE number and discuss your coffee or cigar needs with one of our pro staff. You will save money. And you won't be left behind !

DCPR FIRST LIMITED EDITION CEDAR CIGAR BOXES
CALL TOLL FREE 1 866 977-2983
OR LOG ON www.don-collins.com

WIN A FREE BOX OF CIGARS, HUMIDOR, T-SHIRTS & MORE

2012-08-16T13:11:00.001-07:00

DCPR GIVE-AWAY

CALL TOLL FREE AT 1-866-977-2983

OR LOG-ON TO

WWW.DON-COLLINS.COM

Don Collins Café ~ Best Way To Start Your Day!

ENTER THE FREE CONTEST ON THE FIRST PAGE

HERE IT IS!!!

DCPR FIRST LIMITED EDITION OF CEDAR CIGAR BOXES

The Best DCPR mountain grown ruby red arabica bean coffee, 3 star rum* , humidors, Cigars, T-shirts, DCPR hats, Polos, Accessories, & more !!!
JUST DO IT!!!

Don Collins VII 2-08.wmv

2012-07-29T09:14:00.001-07:00

A WORD FROM CIGAR ADVISOR

2012-07-24T14:05:00.001-07:00

Why I don't buy Cuban cigars

By Cigar Advisor (cigaradvisor.com)

Sure, I've smoked Cuban cigars - guilty as charged - and have even enjoyed many of them, but I don't buy Cuban cigars. Actually the last time I bought Cuban cigars was about five years ago in Tijuana. They were Cohiba Robustos, and who even knows if they were genuine.

Let's face it, there is something to be said for Cuban cigars, but here's the rub: Whenever I speak to a cigar smokers who claim to buy Cuban cigars on a regular basis - they always have "a connection" - I tend to get this visceral reaction. Is it because I'm jealous that they can afford a $300 box of cigars? Maybe a little, but it's not about money. It's about principles. Sure, there are still some very fine cigars made in Cuba, and the Cuban soil and climate are perfect for growing prime leaf, but remember, the government makes the cigars, and we all know what happens when the government takes control of an industry. (Beware auto manufacturers.)

If you're a cigar smoker, they you're probably aware that many of the manufacturers of premium non-Cuban cigars are themselves Cuban expatriates. Moreover, the cigars are all produced from Cuban seed tobaccos. Families like the Perdomos, Olivas, Padróns, Toraños, Eiroas, Plasencias, the Carrillos, Quesadas - I could go on ad infinitum - have all been able to create some amazing cigars working with different soils in other countries. In many ways, the cigars created by the aforementioned are every bit as Cuban as a Havana Partagas Serie D or Montecristo No.2.

Using the skills that have been handed down for generations, these grandmasters working in Miami, Tampa, The Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Nicaragua have worked their tails off, independently from scratch mind you, to exceed the standards of their native country and create the fine brands they are today.

When an American buys a box of Cuban cigars, I doubt they ever consider, or can even relate to, the brutality many of these same Cuban families have had to endure at the hands of Castro's goons, as illustrated in this quote taken directly from the Perdomo cigars website:

A quiet and peaceful man steadfastly opposed to Castro and the communist revolution, Silvio Perdomo was soon arrested in his own home and quickly tried and incarcerated in the notorious Isle of Pines prison where he endured his harshest treatment. Three years later he was transferred to La Cabana, a murky 18th century fortress overlooking Havana Bay. For the next 12 excruciating years, Silvio suffered through squalid conditions, torture and near-starvation at La Cabana and four other Cuban prisons. Nick, Sr. was also a target of the wrath and violence inherent in establishing Castro's "New Cuba." Ambushed by pro-Castro guerillas, he was shot and critically wounded - within view of the very home his father Silvio was arrested and abducted from.
José Oliva has often told me of his personal disdain for the Castro regime. David Blanco of Los Blancos Cigars once told me a story about a relative of his who, despite hating Castro, had an important job in the regime. One day he received a call from a friend telling him he was being set up for a "hit." In a heartbeat he was on the next boat to Miami, and had to send for his wife and children later. Can you imagine not even having time to say goodbye to your wife and children? There are countless untold stories of families enduring dishonor, oppression, strife, and death.

So when someone tells me about the great box of Cubans he just picked-up, I think of it as a slap in the face to these fine gentleman, and all that they have achieved since putting their families' homeland behind them. Just walk through any cigar store today and look at all the marvelous cigars the free market has created! I don't see the need to buy Cuban cigars. And anyone who actually believes that Cuban cigars are superior to all other handmade cigars, is seriously misguided.

I think its fair to say that many of the manufacturers would like to see the embargo lifted, if only to blend their cigars with Cuban tobacco. Maybe when that happens, I'll buy a Cuban cigar. But realistically, I'd say the Cubans have a lot of catching up to do first.

~ Gary Korb

BUSTED FOR SELLING CUBANS

2012-07-24T13:51:00.001-07:00

South Florida Group Charged with Counterfeiting Premium Cigars and Cigar-Related Products

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) special agents, along with Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) investigators, have dismantled a cigar counterfeiting ring that allegedly produced several brands of high-end Cuban cigars. Agents in FDLE’s Miami Regional Operations Center yesterday arrested five South Florida residents on various charges of Forgery and Counterfeiting, Forging or Counterfeiting Private Labels, and Vending Goods with Counterfeit Trademarks. Those arrested include:

Raul Delgado Garcia, 49, of Hialeah; one count of Forgery and Counterfeiting, one count of Forging or Counterfeiting Private Labels, one count of Vending Goods with Counterfeit Trademarks, and one count of tax evasion
Juan Carlos Mustelier, 35, of Miami Gardens; six counts of Forging or Counterfeiting Private Labels
Abel Ramirez, 57, of Hialeah Gardens; Forging or Counterfeiting Private Labels
Luis Enrique Quintero, 32, of Miami; four counts of Forgery and Counterfeiting, one count of Forging or Counterfeiting Private Labels, and one count of tax evasion
Gilberto Carreno, 44, of Miami; 10 counts of Forging or Counterfeiting Private Labels

The organization is suspected of mass-producing counterfeit Cuban cigar brands of COHIBA, Montecristo and Romeo & Julieta, along with other cigar brands. According to investigators, the organization would take less expensive cigars and re-label them with more expensive cigar branding. The group also is accused of illegally manufacturing cigar rings, labels, boxes and other cigar-related materials. The group is suspected of misrepresenting the products and distributing the counterfeit products in South Florida and in other parts of the country.

On Thursday, FDLE special agents and DOR investigators served search warrants at three locations in Hialeah that were suspected of being involved in the production of the counterfeit cigars. The locations were 3460 W. 84th St., Bay 103; 3438 W. 84th St., Bay 104; and 1764 W. 42nd Place.

The investigation into the counterfeit ring began last August when state agents received information that an organized scheme to produce and distribute counterfeit cigar products was occurring in the Hialeah area.

Investigators believe that the group producing the items is not registered as a Florida corporation, as required by law. The individuals arrested were booked into the Miami-Dade Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office.

CUBA'S NO. 2 ARRESTED

2012-07-24T13:34:00.004-07:00

CUBA'S NO 2 MAN ARRESTED

By Juan O. Tamayo

Manuel Garcia, a long-time vice-president of Cuba's cigar industry, has been arrested and 10 of his staffers may face trial for corruption, according to the British news magazine The Economist.

In a report posted Thurday on its Web site, the newsweekly reported Farcia, the No.2 at Habano S.A. had been in jail since June, 'accused of mastermind graft on a grand scale.'

Cuban investigators believe Garcia and 10 of his staffers, 'who also face trial,' were accpting bribes in exchange for selling Cuban cigars at a discount to black market distributors ..."

Other commentary: "its this kind of activity that gives solid proof to the fact that cuban cigar money rapidly finds its way into drug cartel and terrorist sponsor's hands."

CUBAN CIGAR BUST IN NYC

2012-07-24T13:22:00.005-07:00

7 Arrested in U.S. Cuban-Cigar Sales

By GLENN COLLINS
Published: New York Times

Taking aim at outlaw cigar aficionados, Federal officials have charged the operators of an upscale restaurant and a private club in Manhattan with selling illicit Cuban cigars to customers, and yesterday four other men were also arrested on cigar-related charges.

On Wednesday, Federal agents armed with search warrants seized hundreds of boxes of cigars from the walk-in humidors of the Patroon restaurant on East 46th Street and the Racquet and Tennis Club on Park Avenue. A Federal spokesman put their value at several hundred thousand dollars.
Robert Gressler, a manager at the men-only Racquet and Tennis Club, and Alex Hasbany, manager of the cigar room at Patroon, were arrested and charged with conspiring to violate the Trading With the Enemy Act by buying and selling cigars made in Cuba. Kenneth Aretsky, the owner of Patroon, surrendered in Federal Court yesterday and was also charged with violating the trading act. Mr. Aretsky, a former owner of the restaurant ''21,'' declined comment about the charges.

GEN CIGAR WORKS WITH HOMELAND SECURITY ON CUBAN CIGAR ISSUE

2012-07-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

GENERAL CIGAR WORKING WITH HOMELAND SECURITY ON FAKES

By Anthony Cantelmo

General Cigar is having a busy week this week. First they introduced a new VP of Marketing and now they are teaming up with Homeland Security to help thwart the illegal sales of counterfeit Cohiba Cigars. For more on this story check out the presser below:

General Cigar announces that federal and Florida state law enforcement officials yesterday seized more than 3,000 counterfeit Cohiba® cigars from seven tobacco retail stores located in prime tourist areas of Key West, Florida.

Individual cigars were sold at approximately $20 apiece. Based on current estimates, the approximate street value of goods seized was more than $60,000.

The counterfeit cigar seizures followed a lengthy investigation conducted in cooperation with General Cigar Company, which is the exclusive owner of the COHIBA trademark in the U.S. The lead law enforcement agency for yesterday’s seizures was the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, assisted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Florida Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco Bureau of Law Enforcement, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Dan Carr, president of General Cigar said, “The seizure of counterfeit COHIBA cigars yesterday represents a clear victory in General Cigar’s fight to protect our cigar bands from counterfeiters and trademark infringers. We look forward to continuing to cooperate with federal and state law enforcement officials in Florida and have offered to assist in any prosecutions and future investigations.

GET DCPR OR GET WHAT YOU DESERVE

2012-07-04T07:45:00.004-07:00

Keeping America Safe From...Cigars

By Mark Nestmann

02/22/2012

DCPR THE SENSIBLE, SAFE
LEGAL CHOICE FOR CUBAN TOBACCO
www.don-collins.com

DCPR is made from Puerto Rican Tobacco. PR Tobacco was used to replant all cuban tobacco after the spanish burned their crops down in 1898-99. The traditional leaf that made cuba famous has been preserved at PRTC.

One of the responsibilities that must keep President Obama awake at night is to keep track of exactly who America’s enemies really are. Fortunately, he has a government agency to rely on for that purpose—the intrepid bureaucrats at the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

As soon as a president officially declares that a specific country, regime, political party, or small innocuous object on the edge of a galaxy is an enemy, OFAC springs into action. According to the OFAC Web site:

“The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals against targeted foreign countries and regimes, terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, those engaged in activities related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and other threats to the national security, foreign policy or economy of the United States. OFAC acts under Presidential national emergency powers, as well as authority granted by specific legislation, to impose controls on transactions and freeze assets under US jurisdiction. Many of the sanctions are based on United Nations and other international mandates, are multilateral in scope, and involve close cooperation with allied governments.”

Get DCPR or Get What You Deserve
www.don-collins.com

In any event, OFAC has released guidance to the effect that:

“The number of attempted importations of Cuban cigars into the United States is rising and because dealing in such cigars may lead to Treasury enforcement actions, the public should be aware of — and make every effort to observe — the prohibitions which are in effect…. It is also illegal for U.S. persons to buy, sell, trade, or otherwise engage in transactions involving illegally-imported Cuban cigars. The penalties for doing so include, in addition to confiscation of the cigars, civil fines of up to $65,000 per violation and in appropriate cases, criminal prosecution which may result in higher fines up to $1,000,000 and/or imprisonment.”

So, let’s say that you’re a U.S. citizen vacationing in, say, Mexico. You come across a tobacco shop that sells Cuban cigars. After asking the owner for his recommendation, you pick out two cigars and pay for them. You have no intention of importing them into the United States, but instead plan to smoke them over the next few hours over a shot or two of Tequila.

Well, well. You’re in a heap of trouble, boy! According to OFAC:

“The question is often asked whether U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens … may legally purchase Cuban origin goods, including tobacco and alcohol products, in a third country for personal use outside the United States. The answer is no…The prohibition extends to cigars manufactured in Cuba and sold in a third country and to cigars manufactured in a third country from tobacco grown in Cuba.”

No cigars in jail, only BGF's named "Chico"

In other words, your Cuban cigar smoke break outside the United States could subject you to a $65,000 fine, plus possible criminal penalties.

AND what are you actually paying for ? http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=35831

SCAN FOR FREE GIFT

DON COLLINS TALKS ABOUT TERRORISM

2012-06-28T12:27:00.000-07:00

DCPR ON #QBANS VS TERRORISM

Can You Spot the Fake Cigars?
(Scroll to Bottom of Blog for Answer)

By Don Collins

It's just not cool to indulge in cuban cigars. As a matter of cold fact it is a stupid thing to do. The Puerto Rico Tobacco Corporation is the oldest company in the world that makes cigars and is the oldest company in the Western Hemisphere altogether. See our documentation on http://www.prtc.mybigcommerce.com or visit the rest of this blog for some of the best and most up to date information on the subject.

Don Collins (left) Explains DCPR History to FDNY

Here in Puerto Rico so many people have come to me to offer me a "cuban". All of them, ALL, have been fakes sold to them while cruising the caribbean. Every person has the same story "I know a cuban guy..." or, "I got them from a guy in cuba who has a connection to the factory" and I have even heard "I know a guy in customs who gets them for me".

Anyone who looks at a NOAA huricane chart http://www.csc.noaa.gov/hurricanes/ will see for themselves, instantly that every three to four years cuba has been hit by severe weather, enough to the extent that it hasn't had a chance to get a good crop together in the past 10 to 15 years. What's that mean? No tobacco. That's what! Unlike Puerto Rico that has the protective resources of the Federal Government and super fast recovery and restoration money, cuba tends to suffer for years after any major event.

Don Collins @work

Put that together with the fact that what the imported tobacco they use in cuba actually comes from PR or DR and you have to laugh with me at these guys coming through my door. I'm never rude. I always examine the cigar carefully and thoughtfully, ignore that I know it's a dominican or Tampa Florida fake, smile and give the gentleman one of my Puerto Rican cigars in exchange for the 'cuban'.

Inevitably I next hear the comment that 'cubans' are over rated and the cigar I just gave and lit for the gentlemen is truly the best cigar he ever had. I get this so much. If I can, out of sheer mercy, I give the fellow a few hints about correctly identifying 'cubans' by color, texture, roll, general construction etc. Soon thereafter, surely after a second opinion or a third I get a call or an e-mail asking why I didn't inform the man that he had bought a fake 'cuban' cigar. I quietly tell him I just didn't want to be the one to ruin his sense of bliss. This goes on and on and on.

Meanwhile, the Americans are the laughing stock of the caribbean as everyone knows how easy it is to trick the Americans into believing they are buying true cubans. It's really like taking candy from a baby. But the real damage comes with the negative world view these duped individuals leave in their wake. Everyone in PR, the DR and in Cuba knows that the money eventually flows to the terrorist networks and they also know that the terrorists are the bane fear of America.

So when something happens in America, the people naturally say (around the globe) that the Americans only got what they deserved. In the case of the men and women seeking cubans I mightily fear this is so. Buying cubans is like buying bullets to shoot as US soldiers, zap first responders and raining second hand wrath down on innocent men, women and children of every ethic grouop and creed in Amercia.

I wish the many "American Joe Cubans" who post all over the net how cool they are because they have a 'connection' would wake the hell up! I am fact driven, and some facts that make sense to many of us in this country are presented below.

History of Cuba -- State Sponsor of Terrorism

From Amy Zalman, Ph.D., former About.com Guide

Cuba Doesn't Support the US led War on Terror

President looks over report on War on Terror

Cuba's main problem from the US point of view isn't what it does do to support terrorism, but what it doesn't do to stop it:
According to the State Department:

Cuba actively continued to oppose the U.S.-led Coalition prosecuting the global war on terror and has publicly condemned various U.S. policies and actions. To U.S. knowledge, Cuba did not attempt to track, block, or seize terrorist assets, although the authority to do so is contained in Cuba’s Law 93 Against Acts of Terrorism … No new counterterrorism laws were enacted, nor were any executive orders or regulations issued in this regard. To date, the Cuban Government has taken no action against al-Qaida or other terrorist groups. Cuba did not undertake any counterterrorism efforts in international and regional fora. Official government statements and the government-controlled press rarely speak out against al-Qaida or other designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

Cuba is friendly with other State Sponsors

Friend Of My Enemy Is My Enemy

The US also doesn't like the friends Cuba keeps, especially fellow State sponsor list members Iran and North Korea, with which Cuba has cooperation agreements in the areas of science and trade. The US maintains vague suspicions that Cuba's interest in biotechnology development, in combination with its science development agreements with Iran and North Korea, means it's up to no good.
Read more: Iran and Terrorism – State sponsored terrorism in Iran | Nuclear Iran – A Timeline of Iran's Nuclear Program | Timeline of North Korea's Nuclear Weapons Program

The Cuban Government Refuses US Extradition Demands

(#fuqqba)

According to the US, Cuba is harboring fugitives from American prosecution. These include murderers and hijackers, but no global terrorists of note. Cuba has agreed to stop providing safe haven to new US fugitives.
US charges that Cuba won't extradite US criminals has been weakened by the case of Luis Posada Carriles, who is a confirmed terrorist, and who has been given safe haven by the United States. Carriles, as some Americans have noted, was "our" terrorist—an anti-Castro Cuban who worked as a CIA operative in the past.

Read more: Luis Posada Carriles profile | Anti-Castro Terrorist Released in the US (April 2007)

History of Cuba - U.S. Relations

State Sponsors of Terrorism

* Answer: All the cigars in the photo are fakes !

"Crap in your hand for QBANS, for the real thing Get DCPR of Get what you deserve!" DCPR

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BUYING CUBAN CIGARS LIKE BUYING BULLETS TO SHOOT AT US SOLDIERS

2012-05-28T04:33:00.003-07:00

GET THAT 4TH OF JULY SPIRIT MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Every July We Have an Event for the Military

While a lot of folks are having a blast at a BBQ this weekend, they are doing so because there are a lot of brave men and women out there fighting for our privelege to live in peace. We have been so well protected for so long that some of us take that safety for granted. This was not so after Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and not so after 911. We are so safe here in America that we forget how awful a price some men must pay to keep us that way. The list of injured, missing and dead soldiers is so long I can't list it here today for Memorial Day.

But we are able to control where we send out money. If you have been keeping up with the blog you will see that the tobacco you are really wanting when you buy a "cuban" is in fact Puerto Rican Tobacco" and that drug dealers and terrorists are the real beneficiaties of the money paid for 99% of the mostly fake cuban cigars in circulation in the country.

THE DCPR SELECTION

The countries who are supposed to be America's allies buy more bullets to shoot at American Soldiers than Al Queda. Then they have nerve enough to boast about it all over the internet. I hear, "Oh, we can get Cubans in Canada whenever we want", or from the Brits, the Germans, or the Swiss so much I wonder if these folks have ever read a newspaper. It's the Sara Palin mentality that makes a guy overlook the fact that he is contributing to the wrong cause when he over pays for a cuban cigar.

My suggestion is simple. DCPR. Made by the oldest factory in the western hemisphere, we were spitting out stogies before cuba even had a name. Check the history then check the bibliography we have provided in those blogs for yourself.

Do everyone a favor. Make sure you are smoking stogies from any place but cuba. Give our guys that much help by not helping our enemies. Yes, enemies. The law you are breaking is the Trading With The Enemies Act from Congress. The fines for buying cubans are now up as high as $240,000 for individuals and $1,000,000 for business establishments who import in volume.
Help keep our soldiers, planes, buildings and cities safe by doing the right thing. Happy Memorial Day and remember "that oughta be a Don Collins !" http://prtc.mybigcommerce.com

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FORMATION OF PUERTO RICO TOBACCO CORPORATON

2012-05-23T15:17:00.003-07:00

PUERTO RICO TOBACCO CORPORATION

DON COLLINS PUERTO RICO

Porto Rico Leaf Company was organized and chartered by Spain around 1506, this became Porto Rico Tabaco Company and later Porto Rico American Tobacco Corporation, in 1898 which in turn became Puerto Rico Tobacco Corporation in the 1920's and has operated until today. PRTC started making Don Collins Cigars in 1991.

In the year 1899 and thereafter, either the American or Continental Companies, for cash or stock, at an aggregate cost of fifty millions of dollars ($50,000,000), bought and closed up some thirty competing corporations and partnerships theretofore engaged in interstate and foreign commerce as manufacturers, sellers, and distributers of tobacco and related commodities, the interested parties covenanting not to engage in the business. Likewise the two corporations acquired for cash, by issuing stock, **642 and otherwise, control of many competing corporations, now going concerns, with plants in various states, Cuba and Porto Rico, which manufactured, bought, sold, and distributed tobacco products or related articles throughout the United States and foreign countries, and took from the parties in interest covenants not to engage in the tobacco business.

The Porto Rican-American Tobacco Company (Porto Rico)-Capital $1,799,600. In 1899 the American Company caused the organization of the Porto Rican-American Tobacco Company, which took over the partnership business Rucabado y Portela,-manufacturer of cigars and cigarettes,-with covenants not to compete.

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UPDATE ON NEW CIGAR LAWS

2012-05-19T08:53:00.003-07:00

. Customs and Border Protection

Securing America's Borders

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/36/~/importing-cuban-cigars

Can I import Cuban cigars into the U.S.?

No. The allowance for bringing in up to $100 worth of Cuban cigars if you were on authorized travel to Cuba is no longer in effect. All importations of Cuban cigars are illegal, including Cuban cigars that were acquired in other countries (such as Canada, England, Mexico, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Russia, Costa Rica, etc.).

There is now an across board ban on the importation into the United States of Cuban-origin cigars and other Cuban-origin tobacco products, as well as most other products of Cuban origin.
This prohibition extends to such products acquired in Cuba, irrespective of whether a traveler is licensed by Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to engage in Cuban travel related transactions.

Criminal penalties for violation of the Regulations range up to $1,000,000 in fines for corporations, $250,000 for individuals and up to 10 years in prison. Civil penalties of up to $65,000 per violation may be imposed by OFAC.

Foreign residents and visitors to the U.S.(i.e., French, Mexican etc) may not bring in goods of Cuban origin under any circumstances.

GET DON COLLINS OR GET WHAT YOUR DESERVE
http://www.don-collins.com

POST HUMOUS ILLEGAL CIGARS

By Grant Johnson, UK

U.S. customs officials have seized 200,000 Cuban cigars shipped from Europe to Kennedy International Airport in the last two weeks and are inspecting another 70,000 they suspect are from Cuba.

The flood of the popular contraband is the biggest seen at the Customs and Border Protection's New York field office, which typically seizes 4,000 to 5,200 cigars a week at the JFK international mail facility, officials said Monday.

It's illegal to import any Cuban product into the United States without a license from the U.S. Treasury Department.

"Our officers stationed at (Customs and Border Protection) mail facilities routinely discover and seize a variety of contraband arriving from all over the world. But this is the first time in New York City we have seen this level of activity involving illegal cigars," said David Murphy, director of field operations for the agency's NY office.

DO NOT BUY ONLINE

Customs officers have confirmed that 130,000 cigars are of Cuban origin and are still sorting through 70,000, said Brian Bell, a customs spokesman.

The seized cigars will be destroyed, officials said.

Officials attribute the influx in the last two weeks to changes in U.S. Transportation Security Administration regulations after two packages from Yemen were intercepted April 29, 2012 as they were being shipped to New York.

The packages, which contained explosives, were discovered on passenger airlines in Dubai and England.

On Nov. 8, 2010 the Department of Homeland Security banned shipment of parcels weighing more than 16 ounces from passenger flights, Bell said. Officials believe that because European shippers could no longer send packages to the United States via these flights, they stockpiled parcels until they could be put on cargo freighters, which fly less frequently.

Bell said customs officers found full pallets loaded with boxes of suspected Cuban cigars on the cargo freighters. Several known drug related individuals are currently being sought in this investigation.

Now, a note from DCPR:

The quality of a good smoke is in the tobacco. DCPR is made by PRTC http://www.don-collins.com and see what's published on your favorite link. In 1898 all the Cuban Tobacco was destroyed by neglect or intentional damage by the Spanish during the Spanish American War. Cuba was totally replanted with tobacco from Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rican Tobacco was king in the Caribbean until the war. More than 1/2 the shipping tonnage of all trade between Seville Spain and the New World was tobacco from Puerto Rico up until that time. Of course, today, we are able to trade raw tobacco freely between the islands due to the common link with the Dominican Republic. DCPR makers PRTC use tobacco from all over the world.

Take a look at the DCPR Limited First Edition Cedar Cigar Boxes. Only 168 in this series. The desing will be changed and this DON COLLINS CIGAR BOX will become a treasure for collectors in years to come...

The best quality cigars are made by Don Collins. Remember the Puerto Rican cigar tradition is was started it all and is what made Cuba famous. Remember that the next time you think its time to buy bullets for our enemies to shoot at US soldiers. Get DCPR, our cigars are made in America. We provide American Jobs and we shore up the US economy as a US Territory full of US citizens that need work. Rember that. If you read this far, sign up for a chance to win a free gift below:

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DON COLLINS ON THE CUBAN EMBARGO

2012-05-19T06:55:00.001-07:00

CUBAN CIGAR EMBARGO The Facts

1. Cuban cigars are illegal for U.S. citizens.

The reason why Cuban cigars are not legal in the United States is ingrained in the memory of older cigar connoisseurs, but to younger cigar smokers, the reason can be found in the annals of history. Way back in February of 1962, President John F. Kennedy established a trade embargo against Cuba to sanction Fidel Castro's communist regime, which seized control of the island in 1959, and then began to confiscate private property and other assets (including cigar companies).

2. Castro continued to be a thorn in the side of the United States.

In October of 1962, during the height of the Cold War, he permitted the Soviets to construct missile bases on the island capable of striking the Untied States. The U.S. responded with a blockade of Cuba to prevent Soviet ships from delivering the materials to complete the project (not to be confused with the Cuban Trade Embargo, which started in February 1962).

3. Because of Castro, the world never came closer to nuclear war than during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Numerous attempts were made by the U.S. to assassinate Castro (one including the use of poison cigars), but there is some speculation that Castro's cohorts may have gotten to JFK first.

Regardless, this Communist Dictator is no friend of the United States, and open trade with Cuba would be tantamount to supporting communism, at least in the eyes of U.S. lawmakers.

4. As long as Fidel Castro still lives and Cuba's government is still communist, the Cuban Trade Embargo is expected to remain in effect.

Despite efforts by some who are trying to build support for lifting the ban. In fact, the embargo was made even more restrictive in 2004. United States citizens cannot legally acquire or consume Cuban cigars, even while traveling abroad.

5. This may be a law that is impractical to enforce, but it is still the law. There are substantial fines and penalties for violators, who are at a higher risk of being nabbed if they attempt to bring Cuban products (especially in large quantities - 25 or more) into the United States.

6. The world may have changed since 1962, but Cuba has not.

Even though the United States may trade with other communist countries such as China, Cuba has the dubious distinction of being the only communist country within 90 miles of the United States, and the only communist country with a Castro as its dictator. Also, a large group of politically active Cuban exiles who now live in South Florida still oppose Castro, and continue to support the embargo. Although some may argue that the embargo is not working, since Cuba's citizens are the ones who are suffering (not Castro), and because Cuba is still communist, should U.S. lawmakers lift the embargo and let U.S. citizens decide if they want to support Cuba's economy by buying its products? Or should the embargo continue to be enforced until Cuba installs a democratic government and returns the private property that was seized?

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DON COLLINS SHARES CUBAN CIGAR WARNING

2012-05-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

Terrorism Drying Up U.S. Cuban Cigar Supply

By Bob Woods

Edited By Geofrey Wilcott

DCPR IS THE BEST OPTION TO BUY LEGAL CUBAN CIGARS

[Why risk all of this when Cuban tobacco originally comes from Puerto Rico, a country that makes premium cigars without a doubt www.prtc.mybigcommerce.com and when Don Collins Puerto Rico (DCPR) is a US jurisdiction? This is a question well worth an answer. Ed.Note.]

www.prtc.mybigcommerce.com

Just in time for the holidays. The recent seizures by U.S. Customs officials of 100,000 actual and suspected Cuban cigars at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport may effectively close one of the easier, yet illegal and illicit, routes to bring habanos into the U.S. … and even have them delivered to one’s door.

Customs and Border Protection’s Chicago field office seized the large amount of the prized stogies last month. The cigars came into the U.S. through O’Hare mainly as parts of shipments from tobacconists in Europe that sold the cigars to individuals in the U.S. via the Internet, officials said. The alleged recipients of the shipments will be investigated, the feds also said.

It is illegal for U.S. citizens to import Cuban cigars, or any Cuban-origin products, as a result of the government’s embargo of the communist Caribbean nation. U.S. citizens are technically barred from buying any Cuban product, including cigars and rum, even while out of the country—although that portion of the embargo is rarely, if ever enforced.

Cargo, interrupted

The new roadblock in the cargo route? New changes to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) policies in regards to inbound U.S. shipments of cargo. The TSA instituted the new rules after two bombs were found in printer cartridges being shipped into the U.S. from Dubai and Great Britain. The cartridges were headed to Jewish synagogues in the Chicagoland area.

Federal officials aren’t saying exactly what changes they’ve made that have led to the large increase in seizures, as they don’t want terrorists to circumvent the new changes. As noted by several commenters at various cigar-related forums on the Web, though, one of the changes appears to be that packages weighing more than 16 ounces are receiving more scrutiny than before.

Up until now, the route into the U.S. for Cuban cigars sold by European retailers has been fairly unencumbered. Usually, the field office at ORD’S mail facility had spotted only about 2,000 habanos coming through the airport’s mail facility every two weeks.

Happy domestic retailers … HAPPIER connoisseurs

U.S. cigar lovers who purchase Cuban sticks from such retailers took to the Internet to register their extreme unhappiness at both the initial seizures, and the tightening of shipping regulations. Discussion boards and forums at sites like CigarAficionado.com heated up immediately following the seizures, and the virtual talking continues:

www.CigarAficionado.com

Terrorists suck!

As long as the embargo is still in affect you can’t expect anything to change. It’s an (antiquated) law but it is still a law. Now we just have to sit back and wait and see if the law of supply and demand on a global scale can knock through the (artificial) supply barrier imposed by the US gov’t. Other than that you might want to make new (arrangements). Because this forum is easily (accessible) to anyone in any government looking for information, it would seem to behoove all of us to not disclose our geographic locations in our profile. Its a small start, but it can lead to better enjoyment.

Domestic tobacconists and cigar retailers, especially those who sell high-end cigars, are happy about the stepped-up enforcement. Legally available ultra-premium brands like [Don Collins (DCPR) Ed. Note], OpusX, God of Fire, Stradivarius and Diamond Crown compete with illegal Cuban cigars for the attention—and the dollars—of those U.S. citizens who can afford such luxury items.

[ Ed. N. see www.don-collins.com ]

International Silence

They now have the resources to catch us all

An informal check by Stogie’d of several European-based cigar retailers that advertise home delivery of Cuban cigars into the U.S. found that all are continuing to advertise their services to customers living in America, even as a number of their shipments are being seized by Customs. Changes to shipping policies were not immediately apparent, either. None even mention that changes in TSA rules may make confiscation more likely of illegally imported Cuban cigars.

Is it worth this ?

Stogie’d also reviewed several online “how-to” articles on purchasing Cuban cigars. In the wake of last month’s seizures, all were out of date and in need of significant changes. For the record: U.S. citizens can be find up to $55,000 per violation and be criminally prosecuted for illegally importing Cuban cigars. More likely, though, the only punishment that most Americans will see is the confiscation of their cigars—a policy that might see some changes, though, as many more habanos are ensnared in the wider net being set by Uncle Sam. >>>>>>>>>>

When it comes to purchasing Cuban cigars via the Internet, a certain Latin phrase should be applied more than ever: caveat emptor, or, “let the buyer beware.” The phrase, “big time,” should probably be added as well. The fact that 99% of illegal cigar orders are placed online minimzes the work the ATF and Homeland security need to do to round up the problem buyers.

________________________________________________________________________________

Don Collins quotes, " I have never, ever in 20 years in the cigar business seen so many cuban fakes and so many people getting big fines for posessing 'cubans'. It is my opinion that many shipments contain fake cubans but that doesn't lessen the fines or seizures. It is more proof that the average guy doesn't have any idea what he or she is buying and wouldn't know a real cuban from a fake cuban when they saw, touched or smoked one or the other. Call or log on to our site www.don-colllins.com for more information about a good alternative and a better cigar."

_________________________________________________________________________________

News Sources: AP via The Denver Post and Yahoo News, eHow.com

PROHIBITION ON CUBAN CIGARS

2012-05-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

YOU BUY ONLINE, YOU LOG IN TO FEDERAL CYBER CRIMES SECURITY CENTER !

Federal Cbyer Crimes Security Center

By Don Collins

"They can't catch us all!" That was the thought of yesterday. Not good thinking today. The computer age and the consolitdation of hi-tech resources can pin point your computer to your home or the wi-fi spot you frequent. Computers searching for keywords related to the purchase of illegal cigars and other contraband are instantly logged with interpol and homeland security. The process is called "trolling" (watch season finale of "The Newsroom"). Authorities track your for several months to a year. The more illegal acts they can pin on you the easier it is for them to get a conviction.

Interpol Center in Switzerland

After every terrorist attack the US and allied countries (UK, Canada, Switzerland, Dominican Republic, Mexico, etc.) are pooling their resources to rid the terrorist groups of any sources of funding. One of the top sources of funding, nearly $5,000,000,000 annually, by government estimates finds its way back to groups that mean the US and its allies no good. They don't need your $250.00 !

Not many of us like all the restrictive laws and fewer just don't like being told what to do. But try to smoke a cigar in a restaurant. You can drive your SUV there, but try to smoke a cigar at your favorite watering hole, hotel bar or smoke one walking down the street.

When you buy illegal cigars online or when packages of 12 ounces or more are put in the mail, the joint government resources go to work with x-rays, sensors, computers and inspectors. You can bet that if you open an illegal cigar site online, FB, WWW, or anywhere, you have just volunteered your ISP and your DSL or Dial Up account numbers for registry in the law enforcement network. It's just stupid to do that. You might get a few deliveries and think you are safe. Then all of a sudden - bang! You get a letter in the mail from OFEC saying that some branch of security discovered and confiscated your package of coveted cigars and names your fine. Last year the fines were averaging $1,500 - $5,000. The maximum individual penalty now is $1,000,000. See the DCPR blog on the law.

Several Congressman have been fined while importing illegal cigars via private jet and in some cases dignitaries have been busted on private fishing trips in really remote location. It seems that the law enforcements agencies are getting our help through our technoligy and ignorance to help them bust us by the dozen. One hundred thousand packages were seized last Xmas. A word to the wise should suffice. There are several great cigar products that can be purchased from factories in the USA. DCPR is one of them.

The revival of interest in cigars and cigar smoking underscores the need to remind the public of the prohibitions that have been in place for many years with respect to cigars of Cuban origin. The number of attempted importations of Cuban cigars into the United States is rising and because dealing in such cigars may lead to Treasury enforcement actions, the public should be aware of — and make every effort to observe — the prohibitions which are in effect.

There is a total ban on the importation into the United States of Cuban-origin cigars and other Cuban-origin tobacco products. This prohibition extends to such products acquired in Cuba, irrespective of whether a traveler is licensed by Office of Foreign Asset Controls (OFAC) to engage in Cuba travel-related transactions, and to such products acquired in third countries by any U.S. Traveler, including purchases at duty-free shops. Contrary to what many people may believe, it is illegal for travelers to bring into the United States Cuban cigars acquired in third countries, such as Canada, United Kingdom, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico or the USVI and all others.

This illegal industry places much needed cash into the hands of terrorist and drug cartels who thrive on the destruction of American Society. It is estimated that $5 billion dollars in cash is willingly placed in the hands of drug dealers and terrorist every six months. This money is then used to plot against the US, its allies and its foreign posessions. Joe DiMaggio once said to JFK "buying cuban cigars is just like buying bullets to shoot at US soldiers. Nobody listened until 911. Individual cigar smokers, like most drug users don't think they are doing any real harm to themselves or others. One man recently arrested by Homeland Security Officials stated in his defense "who cares about $300.00 worth of cigars?" He cares now that he has had to fork over $1,500.00 in fines to OFEC after his overseas cigar shipment was seized by Customs Officials last month.

Importation of Cuban-origin cigars and other Cuban-origin tobacco products is prohibited whether the goods are purchased by the importer or given to the importer as a gift. Similarly, the import ban extends to Cuban-origin cigars and other Cuban-origin tobacco products offered for sale over the Internet or through a catalog. It is also illegal for U.S. persons to buy, sell, trade, or otherwise engage in transactions involving illegally-imported Cuban cigars. The penalties for doing so include, in addition to confiscation of the cigars, civil fines of up to $55,000 per violation and in appropriate cases, criminal prosecution which may result in higher fines and/or imprisonment. These prohibitions are applicable to all goods of Cuban origin and are an important element of the comprehensive program of economic sanctions against the Cuban Government which have been in place since 1963. Those sanctions have had the support of the last seven Administrations.

The U.S. Treasury Department, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), administers the embargo of Cuba. Suspected embargo violations may be reported telephonically to OFAC Enforcement Division at (202) 622-2430 or via facsimile at (202) 622-1657.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/clearing/restricted/cuban_cigars.xml

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DCPR ON CUBAN CIGAR SEIZURES

THE ORIGIN OF THE CIGAR BOX by DCPR

THE CIGAR BOX

CUBAN TOBACCO WIPED OUT BY HURRICANE

THE DON COLLINS LONSDALE LF EVERY DAY CIGAR

DCPR LONSDALE LF

EVERY DAY CIGAR

DCPR NOW AVAILABLE IN FIRST LIMITED EDITION 168 CEDAR BOXES

THE NEW DCPR FIRST﻿

LIMITED EDITION 168

By Don Collins

Photos by Marcos Gonzalez

DON COLLINS PUERTO RICO VINTAGE COLLECTOR'S CEDAR BOXES

THIS IS THE TOBACCO THAT MADE

CUBA FAMOUS

THIS IS THE SAME EXACT TOBACCO FROM PUERTO RICO

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A WORD FROM CIGAR ADVISOR

Why I don't buy Cuban cigars

BUSTED FOR SELLING CUBANS

South Florida Group Charged with Counterfeiting Premium Cigars and Cigar-Related Products

CUBA'S NO. 2 ARRESTED

CUBA'S NO 2 MAN ARRESTED

CUBAN CIGAR BUST IN NYC

7 Arrested in U.S. Cuban-Cigar Sales

GEN CIGAR WORKS WITH HOMELAND SECURITY ON CUBAN CIGAR ISSUE

GENERAL CIGAR WORKING WITH HOMELAND SECURITY ON FAKES

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Keeping America Safe From...Cigars

DON COLLINS TALKS ABOUT TERRORISM

DCPR ON #QBANS VS TERRORISM

By Don Collins

History of Cuba -- State Sponsor of Terrorism

Cuba Doesn't Support the US led War on Terror

Cuba is friendly with other State Sponsors

The Cuban Government Refuses US Extradition Demands

History of Cuba - U.S. Relations

State Sponsors of Terrorism

SCAN FOR FREE GIFT !

BUYING CUBAN CIGARS LIKE BUYING BULLETS TO SHOOT AT US SOLDIERS

GET THAT 4TH OF JULY SPIRIT MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

FORMATION OF PUERTO RICO TOBACCO CORPORATON

PUERTO RICO TOBACCO CORPORATION

UPDATE ON NEW CIGAR LAWS

DON COLLINS ON THE CUBAN EMBARGO

DON COLLINS SHARES CUBAN CIGAR WARNING

Terrorism Drying Up U.S. Cuban Cigar Supply

DCPR IS THE BEST OPTION TO BUY LEGAL CUBAN CIGARS

Cargo, interrupted

Happy domestic retailers … HAPPIER connoisseurs

International Silence

PROHIBITION ON CUBAN CIGARS

YOU BUY ONLINE, YOU LOG IN TO FEDERAL CYBER CRIMES SECURITY CENTER !

THE NEW DCPR FIRST