[meteorite-list] Detained at LAX for Esquel

[Raremeteorites]

The U.S. has a bilateral extradition treaty with Argentina.  Brazil is also 
pursuing meteorites with legal action being taken against dealers.  It looks 
like many meteorites are going the way of fossils with many arrests being 
made.   Many high profile fossils have been returned to their original 
countries including a dinosaur that was being offered up by a major auction 
house.

I would advise getting a good attorney since the U.S. Government is siding 
with foreign countries for the most part these days.

Adam





----- Original Message ----- 
From: "J Sinclair via Meteorite-list" <meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
To: "Michael Farmer" <mike at meteoriteguy.com>
Cc: "meteorite-list" <meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2014 5:33 AM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Detained at LAX for Esquel


> Hi Mike,
>
> Sounds to me like the issue with the federal agents from both
> countries is that you imported meteorites on Dec. 10, 2014 to the US
> that originated from Argentina. Their concern is that you brought
> Argentine meteorites into the US from Asia / Europe based on the
> import / export laws of 2014. Many countries have agreements with the
> US to look out for "national treasures" coming into our country. Since
> you are moving them around internationally, you are falling under the
> laws in place today. Their concern is not when they first left
> Argentina, just that you (re) imported them yesterday.
>
> Not that I support or agree with the confiscation of your meteorites.
>
> You are giving us all a lesson on on what will happen based on the
> laws in place today. Fossils have been a recent focus too. Some are
> being charged with smuggling and landing in jail because of current
> laws.
>
> John
>
>
>
> On Wed, Dec 10, 2014 at 6:38 PM, Michael Farmer via Meteorite-list
> <meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com> wrote:
>> I was detained at LAX today, my bags searched, all my Esquel confiscated. 
>> Argentine police/embassy people waiting on my flight arrival with 
>> Homeland Security! I was taken into custody by a Japanese/American 
>> undercover officer.
>> After 4 hours, I was released minus 2 kg esquel. No information except 
>> they were looking for anything from Argentina, especially Esquel.
>> Esquel is perfectly legal, but of course Argentina now seems to want it 
>> all back. I'll fight them in court. It was exported legally when I was in 
>> middle school!
>> Be warned that something is going on.
>>
>> Michael Farmer
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