Customs Dodges

[Bill Cameron]

LOL, not sure if I should admit to this, but I was a member of HM Customs and Excise for 33 years, talk about poacher turned gamekeeper eh?
In my own defense tho' I was never a member of a Rummage crew
I began as a Revenue Assistant or a Watcher as they were know as in Scotland, I spent 11 years working in the Whisky Bonds and Distilleries in Leith and Edinburgh. I then did a many other jobs from being a Intelligence Officer (I said Intelligence not Intelligent old joke). I then did every thing from Estates Management to Environmental Care, and finally ended up with a title, Transport Manager for Scotland Wales & Northern Ireland.
But yes the Powers of the Customs Officers are even greater than the Police, a thing that the police have always resented. Each uniformed Customs officer carries a Warrant at all times which lists the powers that they can use. In Scotland the Customs do not need to apply for a Search Warrant to enter a premisis, every major Office has locked up in a safe a "Writ of Asststance" which give the Customs access to anywhere they want, scary stuff, but is not used willy nilly.

[happy daze john in oz]

You are right about the right of entry at any time. Knew one publican who had been 'doing' the books for some time. He was raided by Vatman and robin along with two customs men at two a.m. They spent about two days going through every thing, even how much toilet paper he used. Not to be messed with.

[Geoff Anderson]

hi john, not to be messed with , i hope you mean the toilet paper, and not the nice custom man. best wishes geoff

[Michael Lawrence]

I remember docking in Hull on the 'Surrey' and the rummagers came aboard. So me sitting in cabin and explains I have 100 fags over the odds. 'Ah' say's Custom's officer, 'You no your only allowed 200?'. 'Yes ' say's I. 'Well wrap them up and put your name and log no., on and I'll see them into bonded store for you, and the 2nd Stwd will give 'em back next voyage' Has my leave and we sail from KGV and I as for my 100 fags. Yeah you guessed it, 'What fags?' said Peter. Well and truely done by that lousy sod of a Custom's officer for a 100 fags.

[happy daze john in oz]

ref post 24

Not to put too fine a point on it , they were a lot smarter than us then

[Doc Vernon]

All this discussion got me thinking about the first trip i made to KG5 Tillbury,when we were eventually paid off for trip etc,i and a mate i had met on borad took a Black Cab from KG5 to Putney where he lived with his Parents!
Cant recall the exact location in Putney,all i remember was it was quite a long trip by Cab,but like we were Money was no object!
Even recall giving that Cabbie a really good Tip!
Ahh!! the memories of it all!
Cheers
Vernon

[Russ Kennedy]

ref post#24

Mind you they weren't all bad (just most of them!!). I remember docking in Victoria Docks, London, going on leave for a couple of weeks, had all kinds of magnificent rubbish to take home (as you do after your first trip) including a 35 mm camera which had cost me quite a bit. Checking out with customs was fine until we got to the camera, then I thought this is going to cost me. When I told him what I paid for it he said "HOW MUCH?" I came back with a lower price, this went on for about another three or four goes, eventually the customs guy said "Aye that sounds about right, that'll be a fiver duty". So I guess some of them do have a sense of humour.

Russ K

[Alanrae]

Remember my first trip like yesterday.Returned to Liverpool.Lined up with the rest of them.when it came my turn,the customs guy glanced through the list I'd given him,glanced up at me and said "first trip is it?".He was very gentle with me.They are not all bad.Alan

[Dennis McGuckin]

Remember one time in my early days at sea,I brought a bottle of rum home. Got to KG5 and the customs guy said open it. Like an ejeet I did and offered him a drink. He drank half the bottle than turned out my case. Missed my train home. Happened once after that, and I poured a 'drop' down the sink. Still got my gear turned out, but I didnt feel as bad.
What about having to give a 'dropsy' to the cops on the gate?
They must have loved the big ships paying off.
Den.

[David Williams]

Hi Alf.
I was reading my way through the forum so to speak,came across your
details and saw that you are an old Vindi boy,so am I ,thought Id drop
you a line,we may have been there the same time,or maybe even sailed
together,after all its a small World out there.
Im from Llanelli in South Wales,and went to the Vindi in 1952,and then went
to sea until 1959.I sailed mainly out from Swansea on British Tankers,and a
few trips out from Southampton and Tilbury on the "Big Boats".I was in catering
and finished as second steward.Since retiring,taken up sea fishing more seriously
bought a small boat,so I suppose you could say that went from cabin boy to Skipper.
Whats your story?Hope your keeping well.

Dave Williams(R583900)