Tim Perry thought his biggest concern on a long Greyhound bus ride would be stiff legs and bad snacks. But when his bus pulled into a small-town layover in Texas, something didn’t sit right. Perry saw plainclothes officers board the bus, asking passengers to consent to luggage searches. Perry refused.

“You can say no, but we appreciate your cooperation,” an officer said.

The refusal got Perry and five others escorted off the bus. Drug-sniffing dogs arrived. Perry pulled out his phone to record. That’s when the officers claimed their searches were for his safety. “9/11 created a lot of it,” an officer told Perry.

Perry wasn’t buying it. “When have you ever heard of a terrorist talking about attacking a Greyhound bus?” he later said.

“Routine inspections” surprise passengers

Perry’s experience isn’t an isolated one. Riders across the U.S. report law enforcement boarding Greyhound buses and inspecting passengers or their bags. In Nevada, another passenger recorded Border Patrol agents boarding a bus. The driver reportedly announced, “Be prepared to show your documentation.”

One woman reportedly stood up and shouted to the passengers: “You don’t have to show them anything! They have no right!”

The story goes that the agents left without detaining anyone, but the event raised questions about what passengers should expect.

For some, the consequences are more severe. In Albuquerque, DEA agents flagged waitress Ollisha Easley as she reboarded her bus. They’d already reviewed her passenger manifest and matched her ticket to a suspicious suitcase. During a layover, one agent had inspected the bag. Inside? Four kilograms of methamphetamine.

Easley claimed she had no idea what was inside. But her story didn’t hold up. The DEA arrested her on the spot, adding to a long list of cases they’ve cracked on Greyhound routes.

Know your rights as a Greyhound passenger

Law enforcement frequently boards Greyhound buses to search for drugs, contraband, or even undocumented immigrants. Greyhound, as a private company, allows this, but passengers still have rights.

Here’s what you should know before your next trip:

1. You can refuse to consent to a search

Officers may ask to search your bag. You can say no. Without probable cause or a warrant, they can’t open it.

2. Your Fourth Amendment rights still apply

“Consensual encounters” are a gray area. Officers rely on passengers not knowing their rights. Refusing to consent doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong.

3. Beware of tricks like passenger manifests

DEA agents often access passenger lists showing who paid with cash. This can lead to profiling. They also double-check that passengers’ stories match with the manifest.

4. Be prepared for layover inspections

During layovers, officers may inspect the luggage bin. They’re allowed to touch and smell bags but can’t open them without permission or probable cause.

5. Stay calm and polite

If confronted, remain calm and don’t escalate. Know your rights and assert them firmly.

The fine line between safety and privacy

Greyhound passengers like Tim Perry and Ollisha Easley have seen firsthand how law enforcement uses bus travel to intercept drugs—and sometimes, unsuspecting riders. While these efforts can catch traffickers, they also blur the lines of privacy and constitutional protection.

The next time you’re boarding a bus, know your rights. You never know who might be checking the luggage rack while you wait. Stay safe, stay smart, and maybe stick to flying if you want to avoid the drama.