Final answer:
John Hancock had his ship, the Liberty, seized by British customs agents and accused of smuggling goods, leading to riots and clashes in Boston.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Hancock, a successful merchant and prominent citizen in Boston, had his ship, the Liberty, seized by British customs agents who accused him of smuggling goods. This incident took place in 1768 and resulted in riots led by the Sons of Liberty and clashes between British officials and Bostonians.