Searches on and of the body

Role of Swedish Customs

Swedish Customs is responsible for combating smuggling of, among other things, drugs that are prohibited from being brought into Sweden, and for checking drugs that are subject to import conditions (known as restricted or prohibited goods). Narcotics, hormone preparations (doping agents), other goods dangerous to health, and medications are examples of goods that may not be brought into Sweden indiscriminately. They are also examples of goods that are sometimes smuggled in or on the body, by so-called body smugglers.

There are different types of checks on and of the body, and of the clothes a person is wearing.

Body search

A body search is a check of the clothes a person is wearing. The purpose of conducting a body search is that there is reason to believe that there are items in the clothing that can be seized. A body search can be carried out at any time during a customs inspection, and should be carried out indoors in a separate room or in an appropriate space.

External body search

A strip search is an inspection of the naked body. The customs official shall not touch the naked body. The purpose of conducting a superficial body search is that there is reason to believe that there are objects on the naked body that can be seized. A superficial body search may be carried out at any time during a customs inspection, and should preferably be carried out indoors in a private room or in an appropriate space.

The customs officer also has the power to demand a urine sample if there is reason to believe that there are objects on the body that are prohibited from being brought into Sweden.

Body inspection

Body inspection is the most comprehensive check of the body. During a body search, for example, the inside of the mouth or other cavities on the body are X-rayed or examined. An order from the public prosecutor is required to carry out a body search on a person.