103.26—Procedure in the event of a demand for Customs information in a state or local criminal proceeding.

Port directors, special agents in charge, and chiefs of field laboratories may, in the interest of federal, state, and local law enforcement, upon receipt of demands of state or local authorities, and at the expense of the State, authorize employees under their supervision to attend trials and administrative hearings on behalf of the government in any state or local criminal case, to produce records, and to testify as to facts coming to their knowledge in their official capacities. However, in cases where a defendant in a state or local criminal case demands testimony or the production of Customs documents or information, authorization from the Chief Counsel is required as under § 103.22 of this subpart. No disclosure of information under this section shall be made if any of the factors listed in § 103.23(b) of this subpart are present.