A bit of background. I've been smoking for about 3 years in New York. Now age 19, I still have no issue buying a pack even with the new laws requiring the minimum age to be 21). Now onto the issue.

After a month long stay in singapore visiting family I found a particular variety of marlboro I've taken a liking to that isn't sold in the states. I wanted to bring back a carton of it back to New York for my own personal use from the duty free store here at singapore changi airport.

However I just found out after some googling that I needed to be 21 to bring in tobacco items to New York. Would I be able to not declare the carton and pass through customs without getting caught? Or should I declare them and hopefully they don't notice and I get through?

I am traveling alone and really want to bring back these cigarettes. What's my best course of action?