How did colonist react to the writs of assistance

the British officials in the colonies called for a crackdown on smuggling. Writs of assistance were documents which served as a general search warrant allowing customs officials to enter any ship or building that they suspected for any reason might hold smuggled goods.

In response, the British officials in the colonies called for a crackdown on smuggling ... Writs of assistance were documents which served as a general search warrant, allowing customs officials to enter any ship or building that they suspected for any reason might hold smuggled goods.