The right answer is D) They angered colonists who felt they were being searched without warrant. With the goal of reducing or avoiding the practice of smuggling, which was particularly extended among Boston merchants and posed a threat to British interests, Customs Writs of Assistance were passed in order to authorize officials to search, at any time, for illegally transported goods in ships or buildings (even private buildings) that might look suspicious of holding such goods. This indeed angered colonists because they felt that their rights were not being respected.