Cops Seize Boat, Don't Have to Prove Owner Committed a Crime

Owner accused of being in possession of illegal Cuban cigars which he claims are Dominican

Jeff Southworth and a buddy were sailing into Puerto Rico, a territory of the United States, in January when local police intercepted Southworth's 46-foot sailboat, the Janice Ann, a few miles offshore. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on the scene ordered Southworth to dock and searched the vessel.

When they discovered what was stowed below deck, they led Southworth away in handcuffs.

Why? Customs officers found 33 boxes of cigars. And for that, the U.S. government intends to seize the Janice Ann, which CBP values at $90,000.