It is indeed. And it’s unfortunate he has chosen to make a living out of crafting and using an item from material (fresh imported Moroccan bamboo) that is illegal in the country he lives in. Some guy who absolutely must raise numerous strains of Ebola virus for his particular livelihood wouldn’t be getting much sympathy at all if Mr. Customs Man destroyed his raw materials upon entry to the country. Sorry bro, if bamboo flutes are so important to you I guess you’d better move to Morocco.
No need to go overboard with the snark. Many people make their living off of things not locally obtainable or not available without special authorizations.
We’ve already discussed, the airside loss/theft/damage of valuable/fragile items is one thing, that risk could have been reduced through use of an insured courier service (though it should not be necessary).
But another thing’s up with the bringing in fresh-cut bamboo: has he been able to do so before through the simple loophole of “customs does not actually inspect most bags”, thus remaining unaware that the authorities object to it? (serious Q: in his declaration form, did he report that he was bringing in plant products? IIRC they have a line item for that which should trigger questions and a possible extra screening); THAT was going to get him eventually. There must be some prodedural hoop-jumping available at DoA APHIS to get proper import permits for this purpose, rather than just pack it and hope CBE doesn’t pull you aside.
Both are still around, albeit in much smaller numbers.
The problem with shipping is that it can take a ridiculous amount of time. The last time I moved to the US, I brought over a single suitcase and had my brother ship over other clothing and household stuff; it was returned to him after having reached the US to ask for information such as “threads per inch” for the T-shirts… “uhhhh… it’s used clothing for personal use, it’s not a shipment for Zara!”
I’m sorry but I’m right there with the others who have no sympathy for this man. You choose to make your livelihood on banned products, that’s your business. But I’m not going to feel sorry for you when it all goes tits up in the end.
Where…? In an ankle-holster? Hmmm…
Coming Up Next on HBO:
“Zamfir, Beat Flautist!”
trailer tag
Announcer: NYC, 2014…
“Hey, that’s my parking spot…!”
Announcer: Quality of life crimes without Bloomberg escalate rapidly…
“He turned Left on 42nd! Its after 8AM…!”
Announcer: Public confidence plummets…
“Stop! That’s my Latte…!”
Announcer: One City Plaza needs a New breed of cop to fight this sort of crime…
cut to ally scene
punch punch knee-to-groin
Zamfir: “Here you go, M’am… still has the foam on top. And, because you’re happy, I’m happy…”
makes a smiley face of cinnamon on top of the Latte
Announcer: Zamfir! He’s Tough. He’s Kind. He’s a Barrista’s Barrista.
Zamfir: “I know words won’t help after your traumatic shock, so I’m going to play ‘Greens Leaves’… just for you…”
Announcer: He’s everything NYC residents expect of a 21st century police officer.
Adam Sandler. IS. Zamfir, Beat Flautist.
Announcer: Because Criminology isn’t just a Science. Its an Art.
Zamfir: “…Or I could play ‘The Lonely Shepard…’. You’re call…”
Thank you. I was imagining the other type of harp player.
His flutes are not banned, as the story makes clear.
In addition to his viral video (over 13 million views now), this guy got a book out of the deal.
I was only dimly aware of the incident, but I saw the book for a buck at a remainder store a month ago and bought it out of curiosity. Haven’t read it yet, though.
But the raw material he uses to make them is, which is what was destroyed.
Along with the flutes.
Done with this.