Has anyone ever had this happen upon return to the US?

blueridge · Post by **blueridge** » Thu 25th Mar 2010 10:54 am

Upon returning from my last trip, the customs agent to whom I gave my passport asked me if I visited any coffeeshops. Without blinking an eye I gave a slightly confused look and said "No sir." He gave me back my passport and I went on my way. I have heard of others being hassled but they also indicated that they were still stoned. I don't look much like a stoner (not that that's a bad thing) but my passport was less than a year old and the only other entry was also from the Netherlands. Yeah, I realize that I am probably being paranoid but it freaked me out a little. I guess I am wondering if I happen to come across an overly curious agent or if this is a routine question asked of visitors to the Netherlands? Any thoughts or tales of similar experiences?

bleak · Post by **bleak** » Thu 25th Mar 2010 01:28 pm

hmm, interesting... I wonder what happens if you say 'yes'.

HerrÃ–veri · Post by **HerrÃ–veri** » Thu 25th Mar 2010 04:15 pm

I dunno about the laws in there, but I suppose they don't even have the right to ask that? If it's legal in Netherlands, they just gotta live with it. Maybe he was just asking it for being pollite, like "how was it?" ? Strange, I wouldn't say anything at all.

USbongLord · Post by **USbongLord** » Thu 25th Mar 2010 05:33 pm

and ya say yes...so what..the officer takes yer paper puts a mark on it then when ya go to leave telling you that this will help you get thru the line quicker...next thing ya know yer in line 3 for a half hour of personal lintimidation from yer fellow countrymen...its allright as i shit on them while they tear my shit apart...like i said..and then when they have the hash in their hands wrapped in a candy wrapper and then go right by it,,ya really get obnoxious....told em all to fuck themselves 30 different ways and challenged each one to a fight in the parking lot.....hehehehe,,they had guns or it might have been different...if ya have a half hour till yer ride gets there go ahead and tell em

now when im in AMS the cops laugh with me and tell me to have fun...go figure....pretty sure most of the airport cops were snitches and got beat up alot in school ..guess guns grow balls

Newbie 2 dah Dubbie · Thu 25th Mar 2010 06:10 pm

Boy I'm glad I saw this ...

I'd most likely have said yes.... I wouldn't have seen any really reason to say no.. till I read what Bong wrote!!! I don't need the hassle!

thanks for the heads up

sam · Post by **sam** » Thu 25th Mar 2010 06:40 pm

I have been to the Netherlands 6 times and every time entering the US I have been asked did you visit any coffee shops? Every time I told them hell yes lots of them. I only had the please come with me sir shit happen once, and that time I did pretty much the same thing usbonglord done. I was a complete asshole because I have never brought anything back and I had 2hrs to kill before my conecting flight so I figured might as well have some fun.

HerrÃ–veri · Post by **HerrÃ–veri** » Thu 25th Mar 2010 07:06 pm

Private meeting with mr. Latex Glove doesn't sound too inviting, hrrr.. They could also ask if you've read any communist literature or fistf¤ck a cat with a goat, whatever it is, it's your business, and yours only. I understand that they are doing their jobs (well some might actually enjoy it), but all this spying is making me mad.

Freedom!

cattales1960 · Post by **cattales1960** » Thu 25th Mar 2010 07:45 pm

This is interesting. I never even thought about them asking

blueridge · Post by **blueridge** » Fri 26th Mar 2010 01:02 am

Well, I felt like it was none of their fucking business but I wanted to be honest. I gotta think a yes response invites some sort of further interaction, latex glove or not, and I did have a grinder and small pipe (both never used) in my bag and did not want the hassle over paraphernalia.

I wish it were the case that it was illegal for them to even ask - perhaps this is the case elsewhere. While I am not sure, I imagine that his questions was legal and should have probably been expected which would be my advice to anyone.

I am glad to hear that at least one responder had experienced this often - it make me think that it is probably more of a standard practice. They are probably looking for some sort of "tell" in the response that would give them the idea that a search may be in order.

U.S. BL : I remember reading a post of yours about being searched. While I share your inclination, obviously my balls aren't nearly big enough to pull off a response like yours.

I also agree with the idea that inside ever cop is bullied little boy or girl. Thanks to all of you for the responses. Maybe some day we will be able to come back home and not need to lie, submit to search or tell someone to go fuck themselves.

blueridge · Post by **blueridge** » Fri 26th Mar 2010 01:09 am

BTW Newbie, I had flown out and back through Philly. I'm not sure if that will be your airport or not but thought I'd mention it. Just be prepared to be asked and either stay cool or kick 'em in the nuts USBL style. Have a great trip, I was there last year in May around the same time you are going and had the best weather and a fantastic time - at least that's how I remember it.

Newbie 2 dah Dubbie · Fri 26th Mar 2010 01:22 am

blueridge wrote:BTW Newbie, I had flown out and back through Philly. I'm not sure if that will be your airport or not but thought I'd mention it. Just be prepared to be asked and either stay cool or kick 'em in the nuts USBL style. Have a great trip, I was there last year in May around the same time you are going and had the best weather and a fantastic time - at least that's how I remember it.

I am flying out of Philly - I think I"ll play the "no" card. Thanks for the tip off Are you from the Philly Area?

We are hoping we get some good days - packing a rain poncho just incase! we can NOT wait to go. Got passport today - husband still waiting - but lots of time

Willjay · Post by **Willjay** » Fri 26th Mar 2010 02:05 am

You surrender your 4 amendment right when you buy your ticket you do not give up any others. You have the right to remain silent, tell them you drink tea.

colinzeal · Post by **colinzeal** » Fri 26th Mar 2010 02:09 am

Willjay wrote:You surrender your 4 amendment right when you buy your ticket you do not give up any others. You have the right to remain silent, tell them you drink tea.

thats what i was thinking, stare blankly and say i dont like coffee....

USbongLord · Post by **USbongLord** » Fri 26th Mar 2010 02:24 am

problem is..i dont lie...and time to fuck off..stoner rides never get to the airport on time

blueridge · Post by **blueridge** » Fri 26th Mar 2010 09:54 am

Newbie: I am originally from Philly and still have some family in the general area. They were watching my dog so I flew out of Philly. The poncho is definitely a good idea - I took a small umbrella as well. My plan was to visit museums on the rainy days but the weather was so nice I only got to the Rykes. Also wear comfortable shoes that can take some moisture. I hope you and hubby have a great time.

Willjay: I figured it was something like this - thanks for clearing it up.