So I pull the package out of the letterbox this afternoon. First thing I notice is that it's open! Never a good sign! Then I notice the green tape that says openend by customs. OK, that's generally no issue, they just check after scanning to see what the little round things are.

Well....not this time! This time they decide to cut & hack into one of the jetons!! I couldn't believe it when I saw it. Then I read the folded up letter that is in the mailer. (see below)

I rang Mr Peter Clarke of Australian Customs in Sydney & he does indeed remember it & yes they did hack the s*@t out of it. His explanation was that they believed it contained foil in the middle and foil is used for smuggling drugs.

Really, drugs being smuggled in a 32mm x 3mm jeton? So where was the sniffer dog? Smoke break? Annual leave?

Apparently I can make a claim for the value by providing a receipt. I said I'd do one better for them & mail them back the chip so they can stick it to their notice board & the next time any of my chips pass through customs they should be less inclined to mutilate them!

AUSTRALIAN CUSTOMS....PROTECTING THE NATION AGAINST FOREIGN JETONS!

BEFORE & AFTER