The claimant had been stopped by customs. He had imported various items which it was alleged exceeded the amounts appropriate for personal use. The goods had been mixed with those of his travelling companion. At trial he sought to challenge the fact that the Customs had treated his and his companion’s goods together.
Held: The provision allowing forfeiture of any goods found with contraband did not mean that a claimant could not bring evidence to challenge the assertions made by Customs and Excise. To hold to the contrary would infringe the claimant’s property rights.
Judges:
Mr Justice Lightman
Citations:
Times 20-Jul-2002, Gazette 12-Sep-2002
Statutes:
Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 141(1)(b), European Convention on Human Rights Sch 1
Jurisdiction:
England and Wales
Customs and Excise, Magistrates, Human Rights
Updated: 19 May 2022; Ref: scu.174440
