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Hi,

I just want to satisfy my curiosity... while coming back from France the other week (my first trip and therefore first time Chunnel) at 1am! the French border police waved a fluorescent wand around my steering wheel and door frame - can someone advise what on earth this was? I presume detecting for something, but what?

thanks

Brian

We had this yesterday as we came home via the tunnel.  It's French customs (not actually the police but still have the same air of authority!) He actually said to us that they were checking for traces of anything expolsive (we didn't ask first - he just explained what he was doing).  Another guy took down details of our number plate and had a good look around the exterior of our car/caravan. We were towing but we were in a line of around half a dozen other cars that were all checked together and then sent on our way.  Didn't really think much about it but it's the first time it's happened in 6 years of using the tunnel.  We had arrived about an hour before our scheduled crossing, were allocated an earlier one and this check didn't take more than 5 minutes. 

Just back from 5 days in Normandy & 2 weeks in the Vendee - can't wait to start planning next year's!!

Both French and British Customs have been using such devices on and off for a few years. My understanding is that it can detect minor traces of explosives.

David

This device is an Ion Scan wand. There is a "filter" paper on the end which they take off and insert into an Ion Scan machine which can be set to detect any type of drug or explosive. Obviously if it registers a hit on your steering wheel or door handles then the logical suspicion is that your hands have been in contact with whatever substance the machine is set to look for.

A.

If you can't do the time, don't do the crime! :-)

Quote: Originally posted by madasaman on 14/8/2011

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Not much chance of brits having any money left on the way back

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Quote: Originally posted by cheryl.mark on 16/8/2011

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Weve just returned from France using the tunnel and there were 30min delays at check in due to border police, they were being very strict checking most vehicles, we thought it may be something to do with the terrorists attacks at Norway recently? We didnt mind, makes you feel a bit better knowing that they check for bombs etc etc - doesnt bear thinking about!!  We always use the tunnel with Tescos vouchers, we save them up every year for our holidays it helps to keep costs down, we used them for Disney entrance and RIver Seine cruise in Paris. The tunnel is easy and quick and reliable, just wish we live closer to it.

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