His offence was Contempt of Cop.

I'm not sure that applies here. I think it was simply arrogance combined with sheer stupidity. "I don't perceive the need for these questions, therefore they are unnecessary." Anyone with half a brain would realize that a border guard is trained to detect false statements. Asking what shops you're going to at a certain mall is meant to see if you have actual knowledge of the place or are using it as a ruse to sneak in. The fact that you appear to be innocent little Canadians means nothing. People have smuggled drugs, guns, you name it while posing as tourists driving rented campers. Baby diaper pails were once a common trick because who wants to search a pail of soiled diapers? That one always gets their attention now.

I was once detained entering Guatemala for carrying "licence plates not belonging to the vehicle." I wasn't trying to hide them, they were shoved under the driver's seat so they'd be out of the way, but what would you do if you inspected a Mexican registered vehicle entering via a remote crossing known for drug and gun running, and then found Texas, Alabama, Mexico and Belize licence plates under the seat?

We waited patiently for the supervisor, and when he arrived I explained I was a collector and that I bought licence plates from junk dealers and gift shops whenever I traveled. Supervisor turns to his guys, says "it's OK... he's just a collector" and hands me back the plates. Now, if I'd copped this Canadian guy's attitude I'd have been arrested for sure, but I realized it did look suspicious, so I cooperated fully. A half hour delay was all it cost us. Incidently, I have over 200 plates from all over the world (you should see my garage...heh) but now when I find a new one, I just mail it home.

Oh, and my best border crossing EVER, was also in Guatemala. This time the guard turned out to be a coin collector like myself and we spent about 15 minutes trading foreign coins while the line backed up behind us...LOL. His partner wasn't impressed. At that same crossing a Mexican guy came through with a big duffle bag. Guard asks him what's in the bag, he says "marijuana." Everyone laughs and the guard shines him through. So there you go - if you want to transport drugs across the Mexico/Guatemala border, just make a truthful declaration...heh.

Finally, a hint for travelling in the rougher parts of the world. Always carry cigarettes, even if you don't smoke. Winston or Marlboros are best. Light one up then offer them around when you're stopped at a border or check-point. You'll be amazed how smoothly things will go if you do that.

ebear