It's a world of tough detective work and bizarre finds, illustrated by everything from a counterfeit Barbie scooter and tourist souvenirs made from endangered species to garden gnomes used to conceal drugs

Seized! Revenue and Customs Uncovered opens at Merseyside Maritime Museum on Saturday May 17, taking over where the old Customs & Excise Museum left off. It's the official museum for the government department HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), and lets visitors explore the fascinating and controversial work of customs officers.

Highlighting all manner of weird and wonderful attempts at smuggling and tax evasion, exhibits are designed to encourage reflection on provocative issues.

		This trophy head was seized by Customs under the CITES Act. © National Museums Liverpool

One of the most emotive displays is that of tourist souvenirs seized under CITES, the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Alongside these are two Lear's Macaw specimens – a critically endangered species – bred illegally in captivity by a Yorkshire farmer.

The Barbie scooter illustrates the dangers of buying fake goods abroad, which are not subject to safety tests, while garden gnomes are joined by African statues and a steel girder among the objects used to conceal drugs and cigarettes.

And did you know that it's not only your luggage that can be scanned for contraband? One display shows how the human body can be scanned to reveal cocaine-filled condoms in the stomach.

© Stephen King Photography

Weapons smuggling is a major cause of concern today. On show is a chilling collection including guns and martial arts devices that people have tried to take over the border, as well as plastic stealth knives intended to foil security scanners.

Among the informative displays is one on the history and purpose of taxes – often controversial, for example in funding war and defence, as well as public services like healthcare.

Another discomforting section explores the adulteration of food and drink, revealing how substance like excrement and hedge clippings have been added to tea and coffee to boost profits.

		Lear Macaws from the CITES exhibit. © National Museums Liverpool

Hands-on activities include an interactive console allowing visitors to control their own Cutter to help catch professional smugglers. These fast and powerful vessels use high-tech equipment to guard the British coastline, intercepting those trying to sneak in goods.

Children can also take part in 'rummaging', searching a replica ship's cabin to locate smuggled goods, just as Customs Officers still do.

This is an exhibition preview. If you've been to see the gallery, why not let us know what you think?