NECESSARY STRIP SEARCHES

The U.S. Customs Service in Chicago has come under criticism regarding the
use of strip search procedures to stop drug smuggling at O'Hare Airport. In
defense of our actions, our number one mission at O'Hare is to intercept
drugs before they hit our streets. Our inspectors are very sensitive to the
intrusive nature of this procedure. However, drug smugglers will try
anything, including hiding drugs inside their bodies.

It is unfortunate that the scourge of drugs continues to wreak havoc on our
communities. We must do everything within reason to stop smugglers. Our
inspectors at O'Hare Airport conduct these searches professionally. They
have never selected a passenger for a strip search based on race, ethnic
origin or gender.

We have and will continue to improve our search techniques. However, our
mission remains the same, which is to stop drugs from entering the country.

Kevin Weeks Chicago Port Director U.S. Customs Service

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski