problem at customs (need advise)
 

Hi everyone,

I am a Canadian and returned from a trip from NYC at the end of January. At secondary screening back home in Canada, while they were going through my bags I was asked if I have ever used drugs. I stated I had used cocaine 2 weeks before the trip. The agent did tests on my laptop and found traces of cocaine. After about an hour of questioning they let me back my luggage back up and leave.

what I am wondering is am I most likely flagged and if so will it be at US customs as well or would that information only be available to CDN customs?

I'm interested in hearing some opinions on how this will effect my upcoming travels out of the country.

Thanks!

Just say no.

Never admit to anything. You never know what could end up on your *permanent record*, so better to be safe than sorry.

I've debated just saying no next time I'm asked if I've ever used drugs at customs but am not sure what they will have on file from my last stop (as I did admit to have used before the trip)

If they can pull up info on my last stop they may give me an ever harder time after I tell them no.

Also, can US customers refuse me entry into the country based on this past experience in CDN customs?

Why in the world would you ever admit to using drugs - or ever admit to doing anything illegal?? :confused::confused::confused:

I've never had such a question asked by customs at any country. How
unusual!

Never, ever, ever, ever, ever volunteer any answer not related to your travel, anything on your person, or anything with you in the customs hall. Even for these, stick to one word answers.

You may get more hassle, but the less you say, the better off you are.

As far as being "flagged", who knows. I doubt there are a huge number of people on this board (or in the world) that can speak to admitting to something like this willingly. :confused:

As in "Say no to drugs". What is the famous line? Deny everything and make counter accusations. :)

Customs officers don't generally care if you use drugs or have used drugs in the past. They care if you have drugs with you, be it in your vehicle or luggage, strapped to your body, or inside your stomach. Don't transport drugs across international borders and you should be able to stay out of trouble with Customs in that regard.

And on a personal level, stop doing cocaine; it will f*** you up if it hasn't already.

I would have answered truthfully: that I've used legal drugs and acted annoyed about his prying into my medical situation.

Never admit illegal activity. It's best not to lie either.

Now next time you use coke, make sure you keep things clean.

You know, a fair percentagr of u.s. currency, when tested, comes up positive for cocaine.

OP - stop using coke.

i doubt it has an effect on your ability to get to the US, but i'm no expert.

i've heard 70+% of singles!

I would guess that your going to get searched every time you reenter Canada but doubt CBP would have access to that unless you were charged with a crime. On a more personal level doing coke is an extremely stupid thing to do and it will catch up to you someday just like it did with most of the yuppies who did it in the 80's...
Cheers
Howie

Here's some better advice (not you didn't spell this correctly in the title of your thread). Don't do coke. Heavy drugs are not a good choice. You're rather lucky you didn't give that answer to an American customs/immigration officer.

If you aren't carrying any illegal materials in your luggage or on your person, then it's none of Customs' business what you did a week or two weeks ago.

As others have said, don't volunteer information, but always tell the truth about where you have been, what you are carrying, etc. Never hesitate to ask for a supervisor if you think the guy inspecting you is having a bad day and wants to take it out on somebody.


I would imagine that your records have been documented, and you can expect a vigorous secondary search on all future occasions when you enter Canada.