Power to search the person

(1) It shall be lawful for any appropriate officer duly employed in the prevention of smuggling, or for the Comptroller or other proper officer of customs to search any person either on board of, or who has landed from, any ship or boat if such officer has probable cause to suspect that such person has uncustomed or prohibited goods secreted about his person. (2) Every person who obstructs any officer mentioned in sub-section (1) in searching, or rescues, destroys or attempts to destroy any goods to prevent seizure, is liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty dollars. (3) If no such goods are found on such person, the officer so searching, having had probable cause to suspect that such person had uncustomed or prohibited goods secreted about his person, shall not, on account of the search, be liable to any prosecution, action or other proceeding.