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Watch out for contraband camouflaged as Christmas presents

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Be suspicious. Don’t immediately assume that a wrapped box with a bow on it is a gift.

Photo/Pixabay

The holiday season is a reminder that big-time drug runners and other contraband couriers have been discovered camouflaging their haul to look like “presents” or “gifts” stacked in a trunk or in the back seat.

Predicting that patrol numbers may be lower and the odds of getting a friendly pass on a traffic stop may be higher at this time of year, these criminals use the season to move large loads disguised as holiday gifts.

Remember that a car with “dad” at the wheel and kids and wrapped packages in the back may look harmless – and certainly could be – but appearances can be deceiving.

Take into account the entire scene at the stop, and if you have suspicions, ask questions like:

  1. Where are you going?
  2. Who are you visiting?
  3. How long will you be there?
  4. Where are you coming from?
  5. How long is it going to take to get to your destination?

Listen to the answers and look for inconsistencies.

If someone is going to a holiday party, are they dressed in festive attire?

If someone is going to Grandma’s house for a week, do they have luggage?

Repeat some key questions if need be.

Don’t immediately assume a wrapped box with a bow on it is a new sweater for Grandma or a new toy for little Johnny. Have the professional courage and commitment to advance a traffic stop to a vehicle search – even on Christmas – if something strikes you as suspicious.

Doug Wyllie writes police training content on a wide range of topics and trends affecting the law enforcement community. Doug was a co-founder of the Policing Matters podcast and a longtime co-host of the program.

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