Nothing to declare? Then expect hostile reception

The reception by Customs was not only cold and unsociable, but I find the procedure unfriendly to visitors and deliberately hostile to citizens. Everyone “with nothing to declare” was kept in line and made to place their suitcases on a conveyor.

Since Customs provides no baggage handlers, frail or elderly people could be seen struggling to lift two-three suitcases from their carts onto the conveyor. Some got assistance from kind-hearted people.

A traveller with only a briefcase or handbag is required to stand behind 20 or more others with 30 or more bags or suitcases to have their briefcase or handbag X-rayed before clearance.

Witnessing this absurdity, which I experienced twice before, I opted for the “red section” to “declare” some in-bond liquor, but no officer was on duty. I had to go into the office and clamour for service.

At most international airports — London, Miami, Toronto — nothing-to-declare travellers can walk through a “green section” where a Customs officer may randomly select a traveller for inspection.

My observation is that 95 per cent pass without query.

What is the logic in this absurd system where passengers are unduly delayed if they have nothing to declare, but can get a speedier exit in the red section — if they can find an officer on duty? Can the Comptroller of Customs or the Finance Minister explain this upside-down procedure?

MICHAEL JAY WILLIAMS via email