Customs Consolidation Act, 1876

Persons may be searched if officers have reason to suspect smuggled goods are concealed upon them.

184. [1] Any officer of Customs or other person duly employed in the prevention of smuggling may search any person on board any ship or boat within the limits of any port in the United Kingdom or the Channel Islands, or any person who shall have landed from any ship or boat, provided such officer or other person duly employed as aforesaid shall have good reason to suppose that such person is carrying or has any uncustomed or prohibited goods about his person.

A person shall be guilty of an offence—

Rescuing goods.

(1.) If he staves breaks or destroys any goods to prevent the seizure thereof by an officer of Customs or other person authorised to seize the same.

(2.) If he rescues or staves breaks or destroys to prevent the securing thereof any goods seized by an officer of Customs or other person authorised to seize the same.

Rescuing persons.

(3.) If he rescues any person apprehended for any offence punishable by line or imprisonment under the Customs Acts.

(4.) If he prevents the apprehension of any such person.

Assaulting or obstructing officers.

(5.) If he assaults or obstructs any officer of Customs, or any officer of the army navy marines coastguard, or other person duly employed for the prevention of smuggling, going remaining or returning from on board a ship or boat within the limits of any port in the United Kingdom or the Channel Islands, or in searching such a ship or boat, or in searching a person who has landed from any such ship or boat, or in seizing any goods liable to forfeiture under the Customs Acts or otherwise acting in the execution of his duty.

Attempting the foregoing offences.

(6.) If he attempts or endeavours to commit, or aids abets or assist in the commission of any of the offences mentioned in this section.

Penalty.

And a person so offending shall for each such offence forfeit the penalty of not exceeding one hundred pounds, and he may either be detained or proceeded against by information and summons.

[1 Substituted for the original section by 44 & 45 Vict. c. 12. s. 13.]