Münster (dpa / lnw) – Customs officers at Münster-Osnabrück Airport have discovered illegally brought jewelry three times in the past few weeks. A couple had gold jewelry worth around 20,000 euros with them, as the Münster customs office announced on Monday morning. The gold was confiscated and the two now expect a large fine. Jewellery, gold and other items with a value of more than 430 euros from a non-EU country must be declared when entering Germany.

The other two couples were luckier: the value of the jewelry was below the exemption limit of 700 euros, so no criminal charges were filed. Both couples were able to pay the taxes and surcharge on the spot and continue their journey with their jewellery. One of the couples reportedly tried to hide the gold in a cooler with loose spices. The jewelry was discovered about two weeks ago.