2013 - 2023 Sammis Law Firm P.A. Individuals who readily answer questions over the phone are more likely to confess when confronted in person. Mailpiece is leaking an unknown powdery substance. C) I got a call from the USPS telling me to call them about a package I sent, and it was my marijuana. USPS can "intercept" a package that they feel is suspicious. Sending weed in the mail gets you drug trafficking charges. Can you get in trouble if someone sends you something illegal in the mail? USPS cannot legally open your package even if they think they found weed in the mail. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Chat us for guest posts and personalized ads. Some of the mail that is sent through the United States Postal Service will pass through an X-Ray machine. Talk Radio News is a team dedicated to consumers. (But private companies like UPS, FedEx, and DHL can reserve the right to open packages.). (all You Need To Know), Does Cvs Accept Goodrx? This article was last updated on Friday, June 10, 2022. And when investigated, those inexperienced shippers are the most likely to forgo getting a criminal defense attorney and offer up a full confession when the agents knock on their front door. New weapon in fight against opioid epidemic; Matt Finn reports from Chicago. When the Postal Service takes in an item, they must have specific factors they look for to determine if what theyre taking in is legal or not. 2. The only way to avoid being scanned by USPS is to hand-deliver your box to the recipients front door. Sign up to make sure you get your free consultation. TalkRadioNews is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Can You Ship Medicine Through Usps? Are there penalties? 7. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The agency also started to charge a fee to send out mail, such as letters, packages, and documents. You are breaking state and federal laws when mailing prescription drugs. The OIG also recommends that the USPS repackage all suspect parcels in scent-proof packaging, a trick which Canada Post uses to prevent illegal weed packages from being stolen by their own employees. The sound, especially if you plan to mail glass bottles, may alert an experienced postal worker. Each time the post office scans a letter in your name, it takes a picture of it. There are no specific guidelines as to what may or may not be x-rayed, though mail sent to or through larger cities is likely to pass through an X-Ray machine. In other cases, a K9 drug dog might "alert" to a suspicious package. If drugs are found, a "controlled delivery" of the package will be conducted by undercover officers. Answer (1 of 4): In order to understand this, you have to back up a bit. This is a list of just a few of the reasons that an indictment might be dismissed. These buyers and sellers dont want to get caught. (all You Need To Know), How To Pass A Mouth Swab Drug Test For Amazon (What To Know), Can Usps Open Your Packages? Crunching the numbers, the Postal Service faces an enormous task in preventing the trafficking of illicit substances. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Also, What makes a package suspicious USPS? No, they are not. In FY 2016, Postal Service inspectors seized mailcontaining more than 37,000 pounds of illegal drugs and $23.5 million in suspected drug-trafficking proceeds nationwide. Forensic Laboratory Services of the USPIS The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) uses forensic scientists and technical specialists at the National Forensic Laboratory in Dulles, VA, to identify, apprehend, prosecute, and convict individuals responsible for postal-related criminal offenses. So, what happens when USPS finds drugs? Federal Law on Prohibited Mail Narcotics Since controlled substance distribution is unlawful under 21 U.S.C. Packages are scanned by little blobs when they go through an airport, but its not 100% accurate. When UPS finds drugs in a package, they will seize that package. Download the USPS Mobile Application on the Apple and Google Play Stores, which offers the Informed Delivery feature. Drug Trafficking in Florida and the USPS. The purpose of the letter is to inform the intended recipient that an item placed in the U.S. The penalties for drug distribution under federal laws are harsh compared to California. While USPS doesnt actually have dogs sniffing for drugs, it does work with local police departments to use their dogs as part of their drug interdiction efforts. (how To Get It, Extra Cost, Content + More), What Is Verizon Mdm? This is to reduce the risk of the prescription being altered by the person filling them. Yes, police will deliver a seized USPS package. The UPS List of Prohibited Articles and Items Visit the UPS website to find a list of articles and items which are prohibited for shipping to the United States and all counties served by UPS including currency, bank bills, cash and marijuana (even for medicinal use). The report found several reasons, a.k.a . We help our clients avoid an unjust prosecution at the state or federal level. Why are so many packages getting lost with USPS? If you are caught mailing drugs, or receiving them, the first thing you should do is call a defense attorney. - Caitlyn Johnson. Along with driving drugs across state lines, one way that people may attempt to move drugs is through . The law enforcement seizes cash for civil asset forfeiture proceedings. Specially trained inspectors from the United States Postal Inspection Service lead the charge in package inspection. This makes getting an accurate reading of your shipment and how quickly its travelling challenging. When you get caught mailing weed, you are breaking federal laws. If drugs are found, a "controlled delivery" of the package will be conducted by undercover officers. We also represent criminal defendants accused in federal and state courts related to marijuana and other substance abuse charges. Whether you send drugs or another banned substance through the U.S. postal system or a private carrier, it is always illegal. Read more about the seizure of currency from UPS or FedEx. Following is a transcription of the video. 1716. B) The guy I sent drugs to didn't get the marijuana I sent. So what do you do? While the Fourth Amendment protects First-Class mail from being read without a search, the consequences shipping forbidden materials is a crime are not worth the risk. More than36,000 pounds of the drugs seized were marijuana. By hiring an attorney, the attorney can prevent that kind of interrogation and represent you at every stage of the case. If you didnt realize it was illegal, and you fill out the return address with your own info, you can bet USPS, if/when they catch you, will send police to your house to arrest you. Call us to schedule a time to talk with the attorneys in the office or over the phone. The USPS randomly scans shipments, this is more prone to come in significant urban areas or for objects that seem suspect. Depression When Did Wellbutrin Start Working For You? We run out of free consultations every month. Scanning adds protection capacity to the USPSs legal limitations, which dissuades most but not all. are not allowed to be sent through the mail. Any individual shipping prescriptions will get charged with drug trafficking. What are characteristics of suspicious mail? You have the right to remain silent, and should you choose to do so, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. The Law Office of John Guidry writes that one way inspectors can have reasonable suspicion is to line up six boxes: the one that looks shady, plus five that do not contain any drugs. But most mail is not currently being irradiated. Its in queue at a USPS facility. Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Postal Service (USPS) aren't adhering to internal shipping guidelines after discovering illegal marijuana packages in the mail, and seized cannabis is being lostor stolenin the shuffle. No. However, suppose you are sending something other than alcohol, so you use a box that hitherto contained alcohol. Police use controlled deliveries to secure evidence against drug traffickers. You have entered an incorrect email address! When USPS tracking indicates that a box is In Transit, it usually means it is on its way. It begs the issue of whether USPS scans parcels. The increased charges, combined with a new rule aimed at curbing the flow of illegal drugs, has had significant impacts for some. However, USPS can be the harbinger for arrests in a mailed drug case, and per this 2020 written strategy, bolstering partnerships with law enforcement is a priority for the organization. When you get caught mailing weed, the potential federal laws that you may break are: (i.e., FedEx can get considered as a co-conspirator if they get caught mailing weed. The mail is also checked by drug-sniffing dogs or X-ray machines. USPS is a federal entity; thus, using its service to commit any criminal act is a felony. That said, its done in a fairly randomized way, so there is no way of knowing if your parcel is going to be up for scrutiny or not. These automatically make mailing drugs in a package felony drug trafficking charges. So while you may not be able to see each step of the delivery process as long as the item is addressed and has postage you will get the package. Selecting a different post office from the one used for your regular mail raises eyebrows. Douglas retrieved the packages from a P.O. Those changes make it more likely that USPS and other common couriers will be used to ship the contraband being purchased. If you are caught shipping edibles, you will get the same charges as if youre shipping weed. Specially trained inspectors from the United States Postal Inspection Service lead the charge in package inspection. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has a variety of zip codes (01153, for illustration) that are particular to their facilities or activities. This application will no longer be available for download on your mobile device. In other words, ensure that your business is not sending its documents with USPS. You will know if your package was intercepted if your USPS tracking says: Either scenario means that your package was intercepted by the postal inspector. "Regardless of what is actually inside your package, markings or labels for hazardous materials may result in delivery delays or a package return," the brochure stated. Feds use dogs to sniff out drugs in mail packages. If the address is incorrect or incomplete, then it will cause problems with delivery. Alcohol, guns, and narcotics are all unsportsmanlike, as well as the. Box at the Lilly Post Office on . Finding the right attorney is an important decision. If you live in a state where something like recreational weed is legal, it can be tempting to want to send it to a friend. Federal workers at the U.S. What Happens When USPS Finds Drugs In 2023? To find prohibited items such as U.S. Currency, the police might look for packages that are heavily taped, vacuum-sealed, or use insulated bags or foam insulation. It also appears that the following words are used to indicate more severe conditions. This warrant allows police officers to open your package. Armed with canines trained to sniff out drugs, local, state and federal authorities watch the mail for packages like Wrights as they come through the post office and carriers such as FedEx, UPS and DHL. Aside from straight-up tracking errors, there is a slew of other methods that USPS tracking might not be helpful. It power be in an anonymized zip code. As a result, the USPS may scan or x-ray parcels to protect either provision of public health & safety. The packages are often shipped with fictitious sender and receiver names in a way that requires no signature for delivery. The United States Postal Service (USPS) will be able to open and search any postmarked package as long as they have reason to suspect it contains an illegal substance. Drug paraphernalia is not restricted mail and does not warrant an investigation or stop of delivery. Red Law is a full service marijuana litigation law firm located in Denver, Colorado. The United States Postal Service (USPS) takes the use of its service for drug trafficking very severely as a federally associated entity under the Executive branch of government. by Matthew Buck - Red Law LLC | Dec 14, 2019 | News Article |, A frequent question that I am asked is some variation of I was sending marijuana/shatter/oil/drugs through the mail and, A) I got a letter from the post office saying theres been a problem with my package, B) The guy I sent drugs to didnt get the marijuana I sent, C) I got a call from the USPS telling me to call them about a package I sent, and it was my marijuana. Stick with beans and prints and one can pretty much guarantee the arrival of a package using the USPS as . Under federal laws, drug trafficking charges for marijuana are up to: Lets say you are receiving drugs in the mail from an in-state sender. if you live in a place where you are allowed to smoke marijuana, it can be tempting to send it to someone else. The Us States Postal Services scan specific shipments, but the process is random. The agency's failure to take steps to cover up the plant's pungent smell is a key reason. My mind still lingers, what is that? . Answer (1 of 2): The USPS does not inspect packages. Therefore, if youre looking to ship alcohol, we suggest going with either UPS or FedEx. The reason is that there is a fee associated with doing so. Why Do the United States Postal Service Scan Packages? From the return address to the way the postage is purchased, venders are becoming more sophisticated. Prescription drugs are not allowed to be shipped via regular mail. If the drugs are packaged unusually, there is a strong likelihood that USPS will discuss them. You deserve reliable attorneys who get results. If drugs are found in the package, an undercover police officer will dress as the mailman and deliver the package. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. I think maybe if I tried calling, it might have been more clear. 801971, then the mailing of any controlled substance through the U.S. This is to reduce the risk of the prescription being altered by the person filling them. If law enforcement seizes a package with drugs, it might attempt a "controlled deliver." In controlled delivery, UPS or FedEx will deliver the package (often with a delay). If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. That's according to a new audit from [] Do not speak with any law enforcement officers without an attorney. After all, trying to send narcotics, including o*ioids such as h*roin, mar*juana (even now in decriminalized jurisdictions), and prescription drugs, is a felony. Imagine if individuals were exporting burdened weapons or cases of poorly packed glass coffee cups daily. When a drug package gets seized by law enforcement in USPS, what happens? The Postal Service's tracking system shows the scans to the sender and recipient. The United States Post Office handles more than 500 million pieces of mail every single day. In fact, the vast majority of these cases involve a person sending a small amount of cannabis or marijuana concentrate through the mail. Manage Settings You can, however, send over-the-counter drugs through the mail anything that does not require a prescription. Why? However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Consult an attorney if you are seeking legal advice. Furthermore, shipments entering and exiting extended urban areas are now more certain to be checked. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Contact an attorney today! No, you cannot ship prescription drugs through USPS. X-Raying/scanning is the standard method when mailing goods by USPS. In the Tampa Bay area, these cases are prosecuted in the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division. Find out what happens when the USPS finds drugs, marijuana, or cannabis. Prescriptions are usually not shipped from the pharmacy that fills the prescription. I want to talk to the attorney! If youre thinking you should be scared, you are right. This means that postal inspectors cannot search or seize first-class packages. How reliable is . UPS can "intercept" a package that they feel is suspicious. In fact, it is against the law to send any type of illegal drug, whether that is marijuana, heroin or even a prescription drug for which you have a valid prescription. Well first off, don't panic. Basically, a controlled delivery is simply an undercover cop dressing up as a mailman, driving the mail truck to the address, and even delivering mail to neighbors to make the delivery seem more believable. What Happens when USPS finds Drugs? An Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) prosecutes these cases in federal court. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The vast majority of contraband shipped from USPS involves low-level participants. According to Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm, PLC, a criminal defense law firm, these include: As packages are scanned on their journey to the destination, little blips like a name that doesnt match an address are suspicious. For delivery in significant urban areas or for objects that seem suspect them, the attorney can that... Sends you something illegal in the mail substance distribution is unlawful under 21 U.S.C is through significant impacts some! 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