[LetMeInNowMate]

> I was also checked at customs, where they cut the suitcase open with a knife

My first thought is to type "WTF!", however having experienced the bully-boy antics of the US police (and how the US population appears to take this for granted) this behaviour by your Customs does not surprise me.

[mallomarmeasle]

(Ignoring the editorialization)

I believe that the comment is referring to cutting off the cling-wrap to open the case, something that would likely be done by customs in any country.

[kergonath]

Yes, indeed, that is poor phrasing on my part. They cut the shrink wrap, not the suitcase itself.