problem at customs (need advise)
Jul 16, 2008 | 7:24 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 2
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!
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!
Jul 16, 2008 | 7:40 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 2
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?
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?
Last edited by rtorgeson; Jul 16, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Jul 16, 2008 | 7:46 pm
#5
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Why in the world would you ever admit to using drugs - or ever admit to doing anything illegal?? 
Jul 16, 2008 | 7:51 pm
#7
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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.
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.
Last edited by DillMan; Jul 16, 2008 at 7:51 pm Reason: don't volunteer an answer....typo
Jul 16, 2008 | 8:06 pm
#9
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,849
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.
And on a personal level, stop doing cocaine; it will f*** you up if it hasn't already.
Jul 16, 2008 | 8:42 pm
#10
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Never admit illegal activity. It's best not to lie either.
Now next time you use coke, make sure you keep things clean.
Jul 16, 2008 | 10:24 pm
#12
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Jul 16, 2008 | 11:26 pm
#13
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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!
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!
Cheers
Howie
Jul 16, 2008 | 11:44 pm
#14
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,716
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.
Jul 17, 2008 | 3:19 am
#15
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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.
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.