Tracking will not tell you if it has been seized, but you would get a letter from customs stating that your package contained illegal items, was seized, but all other legal items were returned to the package. When the DEA got a package of marijuana I'd sent through FedEx, the tracking said my package had been confiscated by a gov't agency.
Full Answer
How do I know if my package has been seized?
Tracking will not tell you if it has been seized, but you would get a letter from customs stating that your package contained illegal items, was seized, but all other legal items were returned to the package. Okay, I didn't get th t shirt or anything since it was just two seeds.
What to do if USPS seized shipping packages during transit?
If you have faced seizure of shipping packages during transit by private (FedEx or UPS) or federal government carrier (USPS), you must seek assistance from a dedicated attorney like Asset Forfeiture Attorney.
What happens if a package is seized at the port?
Shipping packages may be seized at the “port” if they have been illegally transported (not complying with all the rules and regulations) or their custom duties are paid incorrectly. In such cases, importers of banned or illegal goods may be arrested and imprisoned from being involved in shipping such items.
How does the US Postal Service check packages for drugs?
Also, U.S. Postal Service has its own special squad of postal inspectors and processes for checking packages. The USPS workers partner with the state and local drug task forces to perform their drug parcel investigations.
What happens if USPS finds drugs in 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).
How do you know if USPS seizes your package?
Once the postal inspector receives the suspected mail, they will attempt to contact the sender or recipient and, if unsuccessful, scan it as “seized by law enforcement.” The scan is visible in the Postal Service's tracking system to the sender and recipient as well as postal personnel.
Will I get in trouble if my package is seized?
If FedEx or UPS discovers money or U.S. Currency in the package, then they will contact law enforcement who might seize the package for forfeiture. If your package was seized, a state or federal law enforcement officer might knock on your door during an investigation. You are not required to make a statement.
What does USPS do with contraband?
Because all US mail customers have a right of privacy, federal authorities are required to obtain a search warrant from a federal magistrate before opening any suspect packages. If drugs are found, the contraband is repacked and sent on its way to help investigators identify the receiving end of the smuggling network.
What makes a package suspicious USPS?
Items of unusual weight relative to their size, or that are lopsided or oddly shaped. Items which are sealed with excessive amounts of tape. An item containing a postmark which does not match the return address or bears an excessive amount of postage. Mailpiece is leaking an unknown powdery substance.
Does USPS scan packages before delivery?
Carriers are supposed to scan a package at the delivery location after either delivering or attempting to deliver the package. This scan “stops the clock,” indicating USPS has met its delivery commitment. Anyone tracking a package would see that delivery was made or attempted.
Does USPS scan packages for drugs?
Postal inspectors can screen packages to check for drugs like marijuana and other substances. Some people may attempt to send drugs through the mail because they believe the Fourth Amendment protects them from having their packages searched.
How do packages get flagged?
Mail may be flagged if the letter or package is stained or is leaking. According to a USPS brochure, reused packaging and boxes are only acceptable when all markings and labels are removed or completely marked out.
Can USPS open my package?
4. Can Postal Inspectors open mail if they feel it may contain something illegal? First-Class letters and parcels are protected against search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, and, as such, cannot be opened without a search warrant.
Are USPS packages Xrayed?
Is Mail X-Rayed? Some of the mail that is sent through the United States Postal Service will pass through an X-Ray machine. 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.
Do drug dogs smell USPS packages?
Armed with canines trained to sniff out drugs, local, state and federal authorities watch the mail for packages like Wright's as they come through the post office and carriers such as FedEx, UPS and DHL.
What do Postal Inspectors investigate?
Postal Inspectors investigate any crime with a nexus to the mail. These crimes include mail theft, mail fraud, financial fraud, identity theft, robberies and burglaries of postal facilities, assaults and threats on postal employees, investigations of dangerous and prohibited mails, narcotics, cybercrime and much more.
Where did FedEx destroy the package?
This all happened in Atlanta, Georgia, FedEx gave him the option to destroy the package, which he gave them permission to do. That was the end of it, no federal or state law enforcement actions at all. I also know someone who received 5lbs. of garbage cannabis at her shop in the name of a former employee via USPS.
What happens if you get hung up in customs?
If your package is some other kind of illegal, they will send you a notice to pick it up at the post office — law enforcement will be notified when you arrive for the pick up.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in a flat rate envelope?
Then put the wrapped package in the first envelope in a flat rate envelope. ONLY SHIP ON MONDAY OR TUESDAY. Packages typically take 2–4 days to arrive at destination. If you ship out Wednesday or later, the package will most likely sit over the weekend and lose the protection of the vacuum seal.
What is the USPS's internal division called?
First of all, the USPS has it's own internal law enforcement division. They are called Postal Inspectors. Badges and guns and handcuffs compliment their uniforms which resemble street clothes. Getting the notice of siezure is pretty much knowledge that's where it ends.
What happens if you don't order something illegal?
If you didn't order anything illegal I would see what agency confiscated it. Local law enforcement, FBI, DEA. Then contact them and see what happened.
Do not share tracking information with recipient?
Do not share tracking information with the recipient. They may get mad at first, but if they have the tracking information, they will likely check it at every opportunity that they can. This causes the package to show up at a cautionary red flag and is more likely to be searched & seized.
Do you need a search warrant to get a parcel?
A search warrant needs to be obtained, unless it was intercepted by US Customs Officials as it entered the US Postal system from abroad. Once notified of a seizure, there is reason to assume a parcel with your address contained something illegal. However, you should fear nothing, regardless….
How to get seized packages back?
Legal Processes to Get Your Seized Packages Back. Once your shipping package is seized, you need to contact the law enforcement. However, never meet or speak to the police offer or investigator alone for interrogation unless you are with your attorney.
Why is a package being seized?
A seizure of a shipping package may be due to any of the following reasons: The package contains illegally obtained items and profits; The package includes evidence of an offense; The package includes items that are processed unlawfully or contraband; The package contains properties used in criminal activity.
Why do police seize packages?
A law enforcement officer or police can accomplish this if they have “reasonable suspicion” that the package is linked to a potential criminal activity .The primary motive behind seizing packages during shipment is to prevent any potential criminal or illegal activity within the country. A seizure of a shipping package may be due to any ...
What is seized shipping?
In the context of seized shipping packages, the term “seizure” refers to the act of physical possession of a shipped item or the transfer of control or custody from the package owner to the state or federal government. A law enforcement officer or police can accomplish this if they have “reasonable suspicion” that the package is linked ...
What is USPS for drugs?
USPS is a federal government agency that offers bulk mail and volume shipping services for small to large businesses. Being a federal government agency, it must obey federal guidelines. Also, being federal government employees, U.S. postal workers require a warrant based on probable cause in order to search a package for drugs. Also, U.S. Postal Service has its own special squad of postal inspectors and processes for checking packages. The USPS workers partner with the state and local drug task forces to perform their drug parcel investigations.
What is the burden of proof for a seizure?
Here, the burden of proof is on you to prove that the shipping package is duty paid and comply with other rules and regulations. Based on that, U.S. Customs will eventually either grant release of the seized shipping package or reject the petition and decide not to release the packaged seized. If you have gone through a seizure process, you must ...
How long does it take to get a seizure notice from Customs?
Customs & Border Protection has no legal right to seize your shipping items or should not have been seized, you may challenge a seizure through an administration petition with the Customs, within 30 days of receiving the seizure notice.
How much marijuana was seized in 2015?
In fiscal year 2015, the Postal Inspection Service seized about 34,000 pounds of marijuana from the mailstream. When postal employees suspect a package contains marijuana or any illegal drug, they must [redacted], inform a supervisor, and contact the Postal Inspection Service for guidance. [Redacted].
Did the Postal Inspection Service have clear and comprehensive guidance for redacted?
Postal Inspection Service did not have clear and comprehensive guidance for [redacted]. Further, post office personnel were not always sufficiently trained to provide additional security for packages suspected of containing marijuana.
