While walking through the baggage reclaim area at the airport on Tuesday, I noticed a group of boiler-suited Customs officers. They were not carrying out baggage inspection duties, but all were wearing sidearms.

I had never seen airport Customs officials carrying weapons. Police and security personnel are, quite rightly, armed but why Customs officers? I would like to know under what circumstances these officers are empowered to open fire.

JONATHAN CONWAY