rummage squad

English

Noun

rummage squad (plural rummage squads)

1. (informal) A team of customs officers who search a ship, aircraft, etc. and its crew for contraband.
   • 2001, Guide to Port Entry, volume 2, page 1588:

     On our first visit, we had come from El Salvador and were boarded by a rummage squad from the Mexican DEA who carried out a thorough drugs search (supervised by a large Alsatian).

   • 2014, Anthony Holten, High Kings To Seakings, page 151:

     On berthing at Shell Haven we were greeted by the rummage squad and we got the full treatment.