Stopped and searched at customs?

Each year, around 40,000 people are stopped and searched by UK customs officials. A search may take many forms, from a simple pocket search to an intimate body search, or just an examination of the contents of your suitcase.

Of course, such searches are a matter of proceedure for these officials in order to protect our borders and prevent illegal goods from entering the country. However, this doesn’t stop most people feeling distressed or humiliated in this situation, and wonder why they have been targeted. In this post, I will outline the reasons and proceedures for searches at customs, and explain your right when faced with such a situation.