Chapter 7 : Narcotic Drugs

Customs officers have a very important role to play in the fight against illegal narcotic trafficking, especially at border posts. The following notes have been included for guidance of officers when a suspected traveler is being searched.

1. All luggage of a suspected traveler must be searched in the presence of the traveler.

2. If drugs have been found in the baggage of a traveler, he must be made aware of the presence of drugs in his luggage immediately.

3. A thorough body search may be necessary in the presence of a witness following detection of drugs in the luggage of a traveler. A female shall be examined only by a female customs or female police officer.

4. The sampling, weighing and sealing are to be carried out by the customs officer in the presence of the traveler and of a police officer. A test may also be carried out with the use of the drug detection kit to define the nature of the drugs.

5. Samples of the drugs are to be taken by the officer who seized the drugs and forward them as soon as possible to the Headquarters.
6. An offense report is to be filed by the customs officer who seized the drugs and forward to the Headquarters after endorsement by the Supervisor.

7. A close scrutiny of all documents (passport, air ticket, labels, diary etc.) found in the luggage of the traveler or on his person is of vital importance and a record of them must be made. This record must be passed on to the Drugs Enforcement Division of the Headquarters.

8. The type of luggage (color, brand, material, size) and the methods used in concealing the drugs must be noted and this information also be handed over to Drugs Enforcement Division of the Headquarters.

9. Drugs already weighed and sealed, are to be handed over to Police for further action and prosecution.

10. The police officer receiving the exhibits must acknowledge receipt of the same on the offense report.
11. Any leakage of information in connection with the seizure of drugs must be prevented. Officers must maintain confidentiality in such operations.

12. A corresponding entry in respect of the seizure is to be inserted in the occurrence book of the station.