Table of Contents
What does USPS do with illegal packages?
Rather, they request consent from mailers or addressees to open detained packages. If there is no response after 21 days, packages are declared abandoned and can be opened. When identified as non-mailable items, their contents are seized and disposed and mailable items are returned to the original addressees.
Can you get in trouble if someone sends you something illegal in the mail?
Shipping something illegal falls under federal guidelines and becomes a felony. Thus, someone could be facing multiple felony charges for purchasing illegal item, shipping it, credit card fraud, and once apprehended they will likely face additional charges for holding back info pertaining to the case.
What happens when law enforcement seized a package?
Once the package is ‘seized’, it may be examined by a drug dog, and a warrant will be issued to open the package should the dog alert for the presence of drugs (typically, the post office will line up 6 packages, five which they know do not contain drugs, and the suspected package).
Can you open a detained package without a search warrant?
Unlike in criminal investigations, the ANP program does not require postal inspectors to obtain search warrants to open detained packages. Rather, they request consent from mailers or addressees to open detained packages. If there is no response after 21 days, packages are declared abandoned and can be opened.
Is it a crime to receive a package without knowing its contents?
“In cases where people come into possession of contraband but don’t know it, the courts have consistently found that not a crime,” Miller said, citing a well-established legal principle known as mens rea, meaning “guilty mind” or criminal intent. “Just receiving a package without knowing its contents isn’t sufficient to be convicted of a crime.”
How does the USPS defend against the shipping of illegal drugs?
One of the most profound defenses (if not the biggest defense) the USPS has in place to eliminate the shipping of illegal drugs is the postal inspector. Although they hold many responsibilities, postal inspectors were basically created to specifically identify and intercept drugs in the mail.
Is it safe to send obscure items and parcels?
Sending obscure items and parcels leads to unwanted attention and getting caught. Shipping normal sized boxes and parcels, with normal labeling and weights does not draw any suspicion by any postal employees or inspectors handling the parcel.