usps seized by law enforcement letter
With dogs trained to sniff out drugs, local, state and federal authorities watch the mail for packages like Wrights when they come through the post office. USPS is a federal government agency that offers bulk mail and volume shipping services for small to large businesses. Specifically, in FY 2019 we found: Coordinate with relevant executive agencies, such as the Department of Justice to determine whether the contents of abandoned packages, other than marijuana, can be used as evidence in criminal investigations and update the Administrative Non-Mailability Protocol program policy as need. They ensure the safety and protection of the country. Our son had his money confiscated on a charge that was not true. . Postal inspectors are federal law enforcement officers responsible for enforcing laws that defend the nation's mail system from illegal or dangerous use. TermsPrivacyDisclaimerCookiesDo Not Sell My Information, Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select, Please enter a legal issue and/or a location, (city, Remember, the police are not supposed to be your friend or help you in any possible way. If you have gone through a seizure process, you must learn from the ordeal and make sure that all your future cargo shipments are compliant with all the relevant laws and regulations based on the product being shipped,ahead of importing to the United States. The lawyers are well-versed in state and federals laws and have handled cases of recovering seized FedEx/UPS/USPS shipping packages. April 23, 2023 12:00 AM. First, the internal postal system notes documenting the seizures indicate that the officials inexplicably claimed that the packages were sent from Eurekaa city 275 miles north of Oakland, in a region informally known as the Emerald Triangle because it is the largest cannabis-producing region in the country. Even a pair of shoes could be seized in this manner. Because there is so much marijuana being mailed out of Colorado that the federal government is unlikely to bring a charge against you. So i checked the tracking and it says "seized by Law Enforcement". This process will resemble the FedEx experience. Get email updates on the latest OIG news. This is the same category of legal exceptions which allows police to follow in "hot pursuit" into a home while pursuing a suspect. IJ files cutting-edge constitutional cases in state and federal courts to defend the rights of our clients and set legal precedent that protects countless others like them. If you order a box of Cubans in the U.S., it definitely can be seized, and its not because of the cigars. The first is that regulations require them to seize the package. There are many investigations of the USPIS. And Ren remains distraught at the unjust cloud of suspicion law enforcement hung over him, tarnishing his reputation and his efforts to align his business with his activism. Do the Police Have the Right to Tap My Telephone? Every day, a lot of shipping packages and merchandise are examined, detained, and seized from the U.S. Customs and other law enforcement officers during checks at the airports, seaports, and other border crossings. Postal Service has been silently logging and tracking mail for more than a decade, legally, but it only catalogs the outsides of envelopes. The FOIA documents, after all, show that the officers knew they were detaining political masks at the height of protests against police violence. A seizure of a shipping package may be due to any of the following reasons: When goods or packages are shipped from any overseas country to the United States, they are referred to as being imported." When you do contact them, that is when they can explain that the package has been seized. Copyright 2020 - 2022 Webnews21 (GMW). Posted on Published: August 1, 2022- Last updated: November 3, 2022. Every package should be opened to verify information. Scan it and notify the sender and receiver if any suspected mail is received. Lentz Law Firm, Copyright 2022 Asset Forfeiture Attorney - All Rights Reserved, Abuse of Civil Forfeiture and Its Dire Consequences, Asset Forfeiture Frequently Asked Questions, Asset Forfeiture Litigation and Trial (Federal Law), Civil Asset Forfeiture and Hiring the Right Attorney, What Can the Government Seize in Asset Forfeiture. Postal Inspection Service Handling of Suspected Marijuana Packages. My Breasts Feel Heavy And Full, But Not Sore? It is always against the law to send drugs or other banned substances through the postal system. The shipping packages undergo necessary checking procedures and must comply with the state and federal government import rules and regulations,which can be both confusing and complicated. Order Pizza Online: Deliver to Someone Else? (4 Carriers). Personnel at the [redacted] allowed Postal Service employees to drop off Registered Mail suspected of containing illicit drugs in an accessible container identified for [redacted] use. This cast a pall of suspicion over Ren and Movement Ink. Fines, Penalties, and Forfeiture is the department that deals with forfeited goods. This is because of a trade embargo imposed on Cuba by the U.S. The focus of this institute is to defend the country from dangerous people. Do mail carriers know whats in your package? "The Postal Service does not sell stamps below the value . Any goods or packages that are prohibited/restricted from importation from foreign sources or require a permit for import may be taken in custody by the U.S. Customs. Use scent-proof packaging to conceal the smell of marijuana and remove [redacted] from the mailing label for packages destined to the [redacted]. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. The parcels are under the custody of the law enforcement institutes until all the matters are settled. The head of the agency has appointed them on merit and abilities bases. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. If you dont have a claim to the item, you can ignore the customs seizure letter and let the Customs and Border Protection take it. Make sure the safety of the state from criminals and dangerous criminal purposes. 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. ZIP To investigate international mail is a very delicate issue. I received a letter from the USPS criminal investigations service center which indicates an item placed in the mail stream is currently being withheld from delivery as there are reasonable grounds to . 23-USP-000850: $5,500.00 U.S. Currency, seized by the USPIS on February 10, 2023 from ERic UmsteaD in Raleigh, NC for forfeiture pursuant to 21 U.S.C. Update Administrative Non-Mailability Protocol program policy to require the use of a more controlled mailing methods and communicate the requirement to all divisions. No, the specific meaning of this term is that law enforcement has taken custody of the package. Since the U.S. Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life. These, Everything You Need To Know About Types of Traffic Violations, Highest paying law firms in California, USA, in 2022, Steps of the Law enforcement agencies if USPS tracking is seized, These agencies have full authority to take action against criminals. All packages for international shipping must have an attached U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Declaration, including a complete and precise description of the merchandise. Package seizure can get pretty complicated depending on the circumstances. Usps seized a package Was a half lb sent from co to Texas Should I be worried Or is that not considered a large amount 8 33 comments Best Add a Comment Solstice137 3 yr. ago Yeah you might be in the shit bud, you broke federal law mailing a controlled substance so federal marshals could show up and arrest you. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. There may be defense strategies to challenge the package seizure and protect it from losing it forever.Never talk to the police or any investigator in the absence of an attorney! Senior Paralegal and Office Manager (FL Office). The lawsuit also argues that the USPS officials violated Rens clearly established First Amendment rights to the extent that they retaliated against him for his political speech. You couldn't do better than attorney Jacek Lentz. and our IJ fights for the right to speak freely about the issues that matter most to ordinary people and to defend the free flow of information essential to democratic government and free enterprise. We are committed to helping our clients avoid an unjust prosecution at the federal or state level! The package is sent back to the sender after 15 days. Officers can search your mail with a search warrant which is supported by probable cause and granted by a judge or magistrate. Best Credit Card Sales Pitch Examples | Strategies to get new customers. Our objective was to determine whether the U.S. The employees have legal warrants that are helpful to arrest these criminals as soon as possible. This is more likely to happen at customs than anywhere else, but the idea is pretty easy to follow. In such cases, importers of banned or illegal goods may be arrested and imprisoned from being involved in shipping such items. With other carriers, it is more likely that you will receive a message requesting that you contact the carrier. With available evidence in hand, your attorney will engage in settlement negotiations with the government. 19 U.S.C. The employee and postal inspectors are very conscious in this regard. How to Move to Canada With No Money as an American? A warrant can be issued to the investigators by stating the probable cause of suspicion. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Instead of becoming a leading supplier of political Covid-protective masks and other political apparel, Ren became an outcast, with a substantial, steady revenue opportunity goneand his efforts to aid the protest movement sullied. Lentz Law Firm is related to this. But would the package be seized by law enforcement afterwords or would it just b thrown out. The movement of agriculture across borders is heavily regulated. Essentially, how you find out about the seizure is very case by case. The U.S law enforcement seizes the USPS tracking if they feel something is suspect and illegal. For prescription drugs, you may contact a dedicated lawyer to discuss if you can file a claim to get it back. Any shipment that is being imported into the US will likely be stopped by the Customs and Border Protection if they suspect it contains a counterfeit trademark. Law enforcement forfeits cash and currency equivalent to millions and millions of dollars every year. Can the Police Legitimately Search My Vehicle Without a Warrant? Some mailing is forbidden and comes in the circle of the criminal. . You understand that the mail may be held at a post office for pickup, that it may be diverted to a new address, or that it may be returned to the sender. From the beginning of my process of trying to recover my funds which were seized by the DEA, Mr. Lentz was very professional and gave me tremendous guidance during a very frustrating time. Although there are security cameras by the container to deter and detect theft, they do not [redacted]. The thing to understand is that not all packages that are seized represent criminal activity. IJ is a registered trademark of the Institute for Justice. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. FindLaw.com Free, trusted legal information for consumers and legal professionals, SuperLawyers.com Directory of U.S. attorneys with the exclusive Super Lawyers rating, Abogado.com The #1 Spanish-language legal website for consumers, LawInfo.com Nationwide attorney directory and legal consumer resources. If Option A or B Happened, and the USPS merely sent you a letter because you mailed some marijuana chalk it up as a loss and do a better job packaging your marijuana. These agencies have full authority to take action against criminals. Our asset forfeiture attorneys are adept with the skills and knowledge required to defend your property seizure and fight back against unfair seizure cases in California and Nationwide. 219 of 15,941 packages sent to the [redacted] were lost. Although California is a pot-legal state, it is a felony under 18 U.S. Code 1716 to mail weed using the United States Postal Service even within the territorial limits of California. The third is that the contents of the package are deemed to be suspicious or harmful. What should she do? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Some K-9 dogs even get trained to sense the smell of cash and currency over time. Download IJs First Amended Complaint PDF, Download Motion to Dismiss Claims Against USA or in the Alternative Motion to Strike PDF, Download Motion to Dismiss Claims Against Individual Defendants or in the Alternative Motion to Strike PDF, Download Plaintiffs Consolidated Response to Motions to Dismiss PDF, Oakland Activist Sues to Hold Postal Officers Accountable for Illegal Search and Seizure of his Mail. It is not safe to steal postal property. Under the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, first class letters and parcels cant be opened without a search warrant. There is a USPS in possession of an item. A seizure notice tells the person or company that their money or merchandise will be kept by US Customs and that there are reasons for their decision. It tracks the parcel and assigns a specific number. In fact, the U.S. 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. Postal Inspection Service is the federal law enforcement, crime prevention, and security arm of the U.S. For instance, when a private third-party shipping company, like FedEx, figures out the package contains suspicious content, like cash, ammunition, or drugs like weed or prescription drugs, they can take the package out of its normal shipping cycle and inform about it to the law enforcement agency. Law Enforcement has a lot of say in how it all goes, and UPS is going to follow instructions. Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. They lost their control and command. In such cases, the prosecution (government) has the burden of proof and is required to prove that the seized package was or could be used in committing a criminal offense, beyond a reasonable doubt (90 percent or more). 21. If the package is being held for some reason, such as lack of a proper invoice, bill of sale, or other documentation, a possible trademark violation, or if the package requires a formal entry, you will be notified in writing. IJ is in court nationwide defending individual liberty. The Seizure Notice is prepared by the paralegal after reviewing the file. As a simple example, if you and a friend are both under investigation, then the authorities can seize just about anything you ship to each other, as long as they can justify the suspicion. This subreddit is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States Postal Service. 881. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. It is advisable to immediately seek legal advice if you think that your package has been seized illegally or if you have received a notice of seizure by the Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures (FP&F) office.Typically, a seizure notice is forwarded to the alleged violator and contains information about what and where the cargo was seized in addition to the legal basis for the seizure. Asset Forfeiture Attorney is a highly rated asset seizure and forfeiture defense law firm that serves clients in the state of California and nationwide. Will I get in trouble if my package is seized? As the pandemic raged and protests grew, Ren, his family, and at least a dozen employees and volunteers worked around the clock to print and ship thousands of masks around the country. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Postal Service said Monday. More Criminal defense Crime classifications Felony crime Show 7 more So, a USPS packagecanbe seized, but its actually harder to do than with a private carrier. This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast 6 20 Related Topics USPS US Federal Government Politics 20 comments Top IJ trains and mobilizes the public to be advocates for freedom and justice in their own communities. 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. Highlights of news outlets coverage of IJs work. For these investigations, you need an attorney focused on protecting your rights at every stage. I received a letter from the USPS criminal investigations service center which indicates an item placed in the mail stream is currently being withheld from delivery as there are . The USPS does not deliver packages and invites sender and receiver for inquiry. The Postal Inspection Service had [redacted] ANP sites to process suspected packages from the western U.S. During July 2018, the Postal Inspection Service established the [redacted] to serve as a central processing location for the mailing of suspected marijuana packages from areas without an ANP site. These exceptions are limited, but a ricin threat in the mail system might justify searching your mail. In that case, the items might not ever reach you, but you shouldnt be in any kind of legal trouble. While there is no clear way to challenge a K-9's sniff, the police expect you to take it at face value. Eighteen of 30 (60 percent) postal inspectors we interviewed did not properly document ANP program activities to support workhours. The ANP program was established to remove marijuana from the mailstream; however, other types of illicit drugs have been found during the abandoned process. Received letter that states, if within twenty-one (21) calendar days of the date of the notice, no action is taken by the sender or the recipient (or their agent) to address the determination of non-mailability of the mail piece, it might be deemed abandoned or unclaimed pursuant to Postal Operations Manual. The United States Postal Service holds packages up to 15 days after a delivery attempt. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Its from the investigating dept. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Some or all of the recommendation is not publicly available due to concerns with information protected under the Freedom of Information Act. Postal Service has been silently logging and tracking mail for more than a decade, legally, but it only catalogs the outsides of envelopes. Every mask was hand prepared, pressed, and packaged to get masks delivered quickly for protection and protest. Ill get into the specifics in a bit, but the idea is that law enforcement has the power to take packages. In yet another case, your package can be seized even though there is nothing illegal or harmful in the box. Sign up to receive IJ's biweekly digital magazine, Liberty & Law, along with breaking updates about our fight to protect the rights of all Americans. Every package is scanned to make sure it matches the customs forms you are sending. If the later is the case, your item will be released after proper investigation. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Instead, youll see that its stuck at some point in the shipping process with no updates. If there is probable cause to believe that a letter or package contains something that is in violation of federal law, then the Postal Inspectors can request a search warrant to open the piece of mail. The inspectors use the latest technology to check the clarity of all parcels. Throughout the process, he would touch base frequently, always be available for my questions and keep me on task with information he needed to do his job. They have to suspect the package contains contraband. Adhering to the applicable laws and regulations can diminish the chance of future seizure or detention of goods by Customs. When all markings and labels are removed or completely marked out, the reuse of packaging and boxes is permissible according to the USPS brochure. What does it mean when a USPS package is intercepted? This occurred because the ANP policy is not aligned with the Inspection Service Manual, which requires documentation of daily activities to support workhours. Inspection Service personnel did not always ensure proper documentation of evidence bags at the [redacted] and [redacted] ANP locations we visited. Ren, his family, employees, and friends worked night and day to hand-print each mask with political messages like Stop Killing Black People. When they finished, Ren packed the masks in ordinary brown boxes and shipped them overnight to organizers in Brooklyn, D.C., Minneapolis, and St. Louis. In addition, three evidence bags were missing both the responsible party and a witness initials and dates across the evidence bag sealing tape. However, the USPS can get a warrant if it finds a package suspicious. Can Police Read or Search Through Your Mail. Rather, they request consent from mailers or addressees to open detained packages. The investigative team of your attorney will work to identify all the relevant witnesses, required shipping documentation, and other evidence to present a solid representation of your case. Does Chill Touch 5e work on trolls? Heres what tracking will say if a package has been seized: If the package is on USPS, then there will be a tracking message that says the package has been seized by law enforcement. He knew face masks were not illegal; in fact, at the time, they were required by law. The Institute for Justice is a 501(c)(3) organization; donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. DHL is subject to the same rules as UPS and FedEx, but DHL internal policy is a little different. A Short History of Civil Forfeiture in California, Civil Forfeiture: The Impartial Pursuit of Justice and a Threat to Private Property, Criminal Asset Forfeiture Attorney vs. Civil Asset Forfeiture Attorney, Defending Criminal Asset Forfeitures in the United States, Seized Shipping Packages (FedEx, UPS, USPS). It does not store any personal data. What is the Difference Between Asset Seizure and Asset Forfeiture? What happens when a package is intercepted? The postal service lost your package even though it is still on its way to you. 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. The best way to approach this is to seek legal help and proceed step by step in order to reclaim your seized packages. It checks out the robberies of the U.S mail, U.S postal employees, U.S postal property, and postal facilities. What Happens if You Get Caught Working While on Workers Comp? Well first off, dont panic. [Editor's note: Since publishing this article two weeks ago, the NY Post published a prominent story about the NYPD's seizure of 106 pounds of hemp and the arrest of an individual on marijuana charges. Contact us. Customs officers will only open up your package if there is a good reason. The function of the USIP is to inquire and secure the homeland at the international level. This determination is important as there are specific rules to follow depending on who will handle the seizure process. This can happen for a lot of reasons and end in a lot of different ways. Mail sent to or through larger cities is likely to pass through an X-Ray machine, though there are no specific guidelines as to what can and cannot be x-rayed. These agencies warrant the employees to arrest these criminals and inquire about this fraud. Contact Asset Forfeiture Attorney law firm today at 888-571-5590 to schedule a complimentary consultation and case evaluation. 12 Drinks That Make You Poop Immediately? Copyright 2023, Thomson Reuters. For this purpose, the inspectors have full authority and weapons to take action against these crimes. This organization is the oldest firm to support and protect the U.S postal service. The private carriers, like UPS, FedEx, and DHL, are not federal government agencies and generally do not need a search warrant if they deem the package suspicious.The supreme court states that shipping packages through a third-party private carrier eliminate any reasonable expectation of privacy. A first-class Forever stamp for a 1-ounce card or letter costs 58 cents and when bargain-basement prices are advertised, that's a red flag. In theory, such a package would be released back to you once it is cleared of danger. The following is a list of the 4th. Within three working days, the case will be referred to the Fines, Penalties and Forfeiture office. Packages that may face seizure during shipment using service provides like Fed/Ex, UPS, USPS by the law enforcement include: Cash and Currency. Law enforcement and police officers regularly seize money and other currency sent through shipment packages. If the law enforcement agency that seized that package is the Postal Inspectors, the crime is federal. Our efforts include direct lawsuits against government officials at all stages of litigation (such as our cases on behalf ofSylvia Gonzalez,Erma Wilson,Cassi Pollreis,Hamdi Mohamud, andKevin Byrd), appellate briefs in support of individuals who have suffered at the hands of government officials, and outreach to members of the public who want to know more about the difficulties of suing governments and their employees for violating individual rights. Chat us for guest posts and personalized ads. But that made no sense, because the shipping label clearly stated that the parcels originated from Ren and Movement Ink in Oakland. Make sure service is user-friendly and look after the inspectors, employees, and all other matters efficiently. Firstly, you or anyone who is filing a claim must have an actual interest in the seized package, which means the claimant cannot make a claim on behalf of another person.
