What were some ways shipowners could avoid paying duties during the molasses act?

Shipowners could avoid paying duties during the Molasses Act by smuggling molasses into the colonies without declaring it to customs officials. They often used false paperwork or bribed customs officers to overlook their shipments. Additionally, some shipowners would mix molasses with other goods to disguise the true nature of their cargo, thus evading taxation. These practices contributed to widespread resistance against the Act and fueled tensions leading up to the American Revolution.