Md. Justices: Suspicion Enough For Strip Searches

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A Maryland appeals court has ruled that suspicion is enough for police to conduct a strip search. 

The Court of Special Appeals issued the opinion last week, explaining why it overruled a lower court in October. Prosecutors appealed a Baltimore County judge's pretrial ruling that a bag of cocaine found after a suspect was ordered to remove his pants at a police station was not admissible as evidence. 

The suspect was pulled over for speeding following a tip from an informant and arrested after a police dog indicated drugs were in the car. 

Retired Judge Charles E. Moylan Jr. wrote in the opinion that all that is required is a particularized suspicion that drugs may be hidden on or in the suspect's body.