It's always better to be informed.
[QUOTE=Knowledge;3073815]1. Immigration does not care about any of us who are not flagged on sex offender or Interpol lists and are able to logically respond to routine questions without weirding out the agent.[/QUOTE]I do not provide this information to scare anyone or to seek sympathy. Rather, I want to give the board and its members the necessary context to make clear-cut decisions.
Many people believe that you can only get into trouble in Colombia over drugs or issues involving underage girls, but that is simply not the case. The importation of electronic devices in quantities that either Colombia or the United States deems "excessive" can trigger incredibly serious problems. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would wind up in a federal courthouse simply for bringing in electronics.
My reason for sharing this is to ensure the board is aware that the risks extend far beyond the obvious issues. Simple importation of electronic devices can land you in a situation so severe that you might actually find yourself wishing it had been drugs instead, because you will be trapped in the exact same criminal justice system—and they will make a massive case out of it.
Furthermore, you need to be cautious regarding the women in the WhatsApp groups. The USA Government will bring these individuals to the United States to testify, especially if they possess photos of you and can readily identify you. My advice is to frequently rotate the women you see; do not meet with the same person more than once or twice. Even if you like her, if she is a working girl, that dynamic alone provides enough leverage for her to betray you and testify that you traveled to the country for illegal purposes.
Do not take the risk. I am telling you this from personal experience, not from something I read. This is exactly how the USA And Colombian governments operate if you end up on their radar for anything—even something as simple as importing electronic devices. Stay Vigilant. PN!
When They Deem It an Excessive Amount
Honestly, I cannot tell you how many times I have met with different girls throughout Colombia and traded electronic devices for favors. I had no idea that bringing cell phones, tablets, or laptops into Colombia would trigger an international investigation. But yes, anything they deem excessive could be seen as an attempt to start an unlicensed business within their country, which can cause all kinds of regulatory repercussions.
What I'm saying is that, at one point, I could barter a cell phone or tablet in Medellin for almost anything I needed. Back then, they were as valuable as gold. If you had iPhones or Samsung Galaxies, you were holding pure gold. I'm pretty sure by this point the Colombian government was well aware of the value of these devices. That's likely one of the reasons they make it extremely difficult for ordinary Colombians to obtain high-end electronics, and why they make a point of prosecuting you if you're caught with an excessive amount. Stay Vigilant! PN!