The New York herald., 1878-11-23
HEAVY CUSTOMS SEIZURE.

THREE TRAVELLERS FROM HAvRE RELIEVED OF
TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS WORTH OF
JEWELS.
On the 21st inst. the French steamer Labrador ar
rived this port from Havre. bringing large num-
ber of passengers among them Messrs. p. r. vengoe-
CHA J, d. Moreno, and r. Bollestas. These gentle-
men had between them six trunks. which composed
their effects On being interrogated by the customs
officials whether they had anything dutiablo in their
baggage they answered in the affirmative. but ex-
pressed their desire to have their trunks sent in bond
to Savanlla South America they did not about
paying duty here. The customary certificate was
issued of taking possession OF the baggage Ito be
forwarded to it's destination under Uncle Sans cord
and seal" The passengers were then asked If they
had anything further which liable to pay an i'm
post tax. and this they also answered in the atrma
tive.
officers Chalker and Mitchell did not like the bulky
appearance Of the passengers clothing. and deter
mined satisfy themselves whether they did con-
tain contraband goods. strict search made by
these officials of the pockets OF the three travellers
which resulted in finding lot Of jewels. all Of the
finest make and purest gems.
WELL ADORNED
On the person Of Mr.. vengoechis the following ar
tices were found:--One gold hunting watch and
one gold bracelet diamond setting).
Mr.. Moreno carried four heavy gold hunting
watches mos 1s3,95o. POT 249, 256is. ls3.935 two
with pearls. gold cross diamond setting), seven
gold chains. two gold sleeve buttons gold chain
and charm four sets gold brooches and earrings pearl
scttingsI one gold brooch and earrings diamond
settingl three sets gold sleeve buttons four gold
crosses and one gold charm.
Concealed on Mr.. II. Bolestas' person three
sets gold brooches and earrings set with pearls
gold cross set with diamonds, diamond solitaire
gold ring two pasrs diamond earrings tsolitaire
stones) two gold rings containing two pearls and
emerald each, three gold diamond studs one silver
watch and chain four gold chains, four sets gold
rings (pcar settngsl gold cross set with pearls
one pair gold earrings set with pearls three sets gold
earrings with turquoise. gold ring solitaire
diamond Qarge stone), gold buckle. pin
and an exquisite bracelet gold and diamond setting)
The latter contained at least ffty stones of carat
average weight each the centre stone weighing at
least four carats. The diamonds in the other jewery
are equally valuable, well as the pearls and
cIneraids. The watches are of Dents make aud very
COSTLY The passengers denied that they intended
smpgle the same and stated that they merely carried
them about their person for the sake of security
the other hand the scizing officers aege that II such
was the case the owners thereof would have de
safety was assured to the vauables than in the
pockets their posscssors especially the trunks
are under lock and key until the vessel sails for
vanilla. 1t Is estimated by those who have and
examined these rich gems that their value will not
fall far short of $4,000.
Mr.. vengoechia aud friends have appealed to the
Secretary Of the Treasury for his interference. and
the Collector has reported the To the
thority with all attending facts. In the meantime
the jewels locked up in tho great safe ut the Gus
tom House.