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Haulier: C86E search 'ruined my reefer
Page 8
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by Chris Tindall An owner-operator claims he Is facing a 130,000 bill after a Customs and Excise officer allegedly damaged his refrigerated trailer by drilling holes in it to look for drugs.
Willie Davidson, trading as WI] Transport, was detained for almost six hours on 26 April when Customs in Rosyth wrongly suspected him of smuggling illegal substances. He had just emerged from the new Superfast Ferry from Zeebrugge when his trailer, which was carrying computer parts for Norfolk Line, was searched.
Davidson says five officers checked it and declared it to be free of drugs, However, the supervisor remained suspicious and, in the absence of an X-ray machine operator, decided to set about the vehicle with a drill.
"I said that if you drill holes you will wreck It, but he said he could do what he liked because he was Customs and Excise," says Davidson. "I think he was trying to prove he was the boss. I have been doing this work for 12 years now and I have never had this in my life."
Davidson claims 13 holes were drilled into the side and roof, puncturing the unit's delicate vacuum and rendering it useless. Astonishingly, Davidson claims that the Customs officer then offered him chewing gum to plug the holes he had created.
"I can understand that they all have Jobs to do," adds Davidson, "but I don't think they should have taken it to that extreme."
His transport manager and business partner, lain Chisholm, says he has contacted his solicitor and complained about the incident to the Police, "Customs must be able to justify everything they do," Chisholm says. "As far as I am aware, If the technology is not available, the law says they should Impound the vehicle, not drill hales in It."
But a Customs spokesman defends the officer's actions and says using a drill is standard procedure. "Suspicions were raised because it [the refrigerated trailer] was carrying computer parts," he says. "My understanding Is the drill didn't penetrate the insulation. Before leaving the area the driver was told the puncture holes would be repaired with sealant and the bill should be sent to themselves. That was agreed with the driver."
He adds: "If the gentleman Involved comes up with quotes, obviously we will get someone to look at it as well."
• Do you feel you have been treated unfairly by Customs & Excise? If so e-mail: christophentindall@rbi.co.uk or contact CM'S newsdesk on 020 8652 3683 with your experiences.