Why not just bring back what you're allowed to bring back?

I used to fly all over the place and one thing I learned was don't mess with customs. Customs exists in a grey area. Until you pass through customs, you are NOT back in Canada. The rules don't apply yet.

Sure, you can probably sneak through with an extra 25 cigars. But say they randomly pull you aside and start countin'. They're not going to say "oh, you must have done your math wrong, you owe us $25 in tax".

A few years ago, I was on my way back from Amsterdam and made the mistake of wearing the same jeans on the plane that I wore the night before to the coffee shop. Needless to say, the drug dogs REALLY liked me. At first, I was nice and relaxed, then it occurred to me that, if they HAPPENED to find a joint that they wouldn't confiscate it and send me on my way.

That's one of the times I'm glad to be well-spoken (especially since I look about 16). The customs officer went through my carry-on and checked baggage, but didn't feel the need to strip search me...