Are Greyhound Buses Frequently Searched for Drugs? An Inside Account

Are Greyhound Buses Frequently Searched for Drugs? An Inside Account

Introduction

Long-distance travel on Greyhound buses can be an uncomfortable experience, especially when you're expecting a thorough screening for drugs. This article delves into the frequency and nature of drug searches on Greyhound buses as experienced by a former bus driver. If you're curious about the procedures in place or have ever encountered similar situations, keep reading.

Drug Searches and Greyhound Buses

While I've been traveling on buses monthly for the past seven years, one 44-hour journey from New York City to Austin, Texas, stands out for its surreal twist of events. After our bus pulled into the terminal in Nashville, Tennessee, a DEA agent announced that we would be switching to a new bus. The passengers were instructed to cooperate with two DEA agents who had guns and dogs waiting outside the bus.

Passengers were also told to leave their carry-on bags on the bus. However, I brought my backpack with me, reasoning that I needed to keep an eye on it. As I descended the stairs, one of the DEA agents with a gun restrained a dog at the bottom. My backpack, an external frame one, contained a quarter ounce of marijuana and a pipe. I held it in front of me sideways and used my knee to nudge the backpack into the dog's chest. The dog whined and backed off, but the DEA agent informed me to move along.

How Frequent Are These Searches?

The searches on Greyhound buses were not a rare occurrence during the 1990s. A seasoned Greyhound bus driver during my university days, I witnessed a well-dressed man who looked like an undercover cop. Over the years, it became clear that transportation police were frequently tasked with these drug searches. They would ride buses, catch subways, and engage in public transport with the primary aim of reestablishing their reputation.

According to my observations, every bus experienced drug searches multiple times a week. While I never witnessed a successful drug seizure myself, it was evident that the agents were highly motivated. The DEA agents at the terminal in Nashville were prepared, and the dog's presence added a significant level of reliability to the search process.

Impact on Passengers

The experience of drug searches can be distressing for passengers. It's not uncommon for travelers to carry personal items that may be mistaken for contraband, leading to prolonged questioning or strip searches. For me, the quarter ounce of weed and a pipe were deeply hidden within my backpack, but the process of extraction and review was harrowing.

One of the most significant issues with these searches is the varying levels of competence among the agents. Some agents followed strict protocols, while others were more relaxed, leading to inconsistent experiences for travelers. Despite the potential stress, these searches served as a deterrent for drug trafficking and helped maintain the integrity of public transportation.

Closure

In conclusion, drug searches on Greyhound buses are frequent and serve a critical purpose in maintaining security. While the process can be unsettling, it reflects a broader effort to combat drug trafficking. As a former bus driver, I can attest to the diligence and determination of the transportation police in their mission to protect these vital forms of public transportation.