question about illegal cigars

[ggiese]

is it illegal to own a illegal cuban or just illegal to purchase them?

Depends on interpretation.

Definitely illegal to purchase - no matter what - ANYWHERE (even a US citizen outside of the US cannot purchase a Cuban).

It is also illegal for U.S. persons to buy, sell, trade, or otherwise engage in transactions involving illegally-imported Cuban cigars. The penalties for doing so include, in addition to confiscation of the cigars, civil fines of up to $55,000 per violation and in appropriate cases, criminal prosecution which may result in higher fines and/or imprisonment.

Theoretically - not illegal to own, but it's debatable. It certainly would be difficult to establish where it came from, how it came into your possession and whether or not it was truly Cuban. I'd say that it would be wise not to broadcast you've got them so you don't have anyone asking those questions...

The good news is, I don't think anyone's going to come and break down your door looking for them - unless you're into big time importation of them...