United States v. Christine Sieko Mastberg

Mastberg appeals her conviction of unlawful importation of heroin in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 952 (a) and 960(b) (1), charging that evidence derived from a body-cavity search should have been suppressed. We affirm.

Mastberg and two male companions entered the United States from Canada approximately 3:00 a. m. at the Blaine, Washington, port of entry. Customs inspector Hassebrock saw open chocolate milk cartons in the vehicle and, upon questioning the occupants of the car, noticed that Mastberg and the driver were nervous and restless. Hassebrock requested the assistance of another inspector and asked the occupants to get out of the car. After observing needle marks on the arms of all three individuals, the inspectors escorted them to the customs building where they searched the trio’s clothing. Hassebrock’s search of Mastberg’s purse revealed a plastic bag which contained some balloons. A strip search of the two males revealed nothing. A matron accompanied Mast-berg to a search room and conducted a strip search. Mastberg removed her clothing and told the matron that she was wearing a tampon because she was menstruating. The matron testified that she saw a double or…