Under FedExs terms of service, there is a fulllist of prohibited items, which includes marijuana, controlled substances, and any substance that has not been approved for medical use by the DEA. Such was the case with Herbert Green, who had his package singled out at a FedEx sorting center after Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) Detective Antonio Garcia noticed a return label from Brownsville, Texas. FedEx might give you a number for the agency that seized the package or the case agent. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); NEXT: Body Camera Footage Shows Louisiana Trooper Beating Man with a Flashlight Over a Traffic Violation. If your FedEx or UPS package was seized by law enforcement, then the attorneys at Sammis Law Firm can help you get the package back. FedEx, UPS and most carriers have checks to ensure that drugs are not accepted in the first place. Althoughmarijuanais considered legal in certain states across the United States, mailing a package containing drugs is a serious offense. Potential defenses include: One important thing to remember is that in order to get a conviction for mailing or trafficking drugs, the prosecution needs the evidence to be solid. Tampa, FL 33602 You should assume that the chances of getting caught mailing weed are high. You should not rely on this information when making decisions about your case. In some cases, the recipient can even get charged with drug trafficking in both the state the drugs were mailed from, as well as from the state in which it was received. Whether thats protecting yourself with a prenup, getting a fresh start with divorce, or setting up your estate. . "I've sometimes equated what cops do with these things as premature ejaculation," says Hall. Drug traffickers like express mail because it enables them to track the location of the package. Once you've been through the interview and received a conditional offer of employment, FedEx Office will ask you to arrange a drug test. Links to misspelled or slightly altered website addresses (fedx.com, fed-ex.com, etc.). The anonymous woman told alocal station: [w]hen the first officer got here, she was in disbelief.. Police "saw the only item they could seize pursuant to thewarrant, chose not to seize it and exit the premises, and proceeded to walk through the entire apartment for ten to fifteen minutes looking under a mattress, in the kitchen trash can, in kitchen cabinets, and at or in a shoe box," argued Green. Secondly, FedEx made some unrealistic claims about how their process would be a better user experience than their competitors. When police apprehend something that could be a controlled delivery, police might try to make a controlled delivery. Consider this. We have the experience needed to ensure thatyour rights are protected. FedEx prohibited items may vary depending on the country you are shipping in. Elizabeth Nolan Brown 3. Depending on what the substance and quantity is will determine the punishment. If the package contains drugs or dangerous substances, the package will be detained until the items can be sent back to FedEx. As long as FedEx is allowed to search mail thats going through its network, then the Fourth Amendment doesnt apply to this situation. Finding the right attorney is an important decision. FedEx is a reliable courier company to use . 305; 22 U.S.C. Customs (CBP), etc. Sometimes employees at UPS or FedEx will secretly flag suspicious packages for law enforcement officers. I have personally witnessed 50 lb boxes filled with cocaine, many boxes and envelopes full of grass and hashish, and other illicit drugs. 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. Every package is put through a scanner machine, or an x-ray machine, to verify that the items you are shipping match your customs forms. 1005 N. Marion St. What happens if you send drugs through the mail? The court disputed that. 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. For example, marijuana is considered a Schedule 1 drug, meaning the law recognizes a high potential for abuse. You can get in trouble if someone mails you drugs if: If someone mails you drugs and a law enforcement agency finds it, they will either: The penalty for receiving drugs in the mail is drug trafficking charges. And some of the people who buy their own checked baggage have become frustrated by not getting much help or customer service at the counter. Consult an attorney if you are seeking legal advice. 8.26.2021 4:26 PM. Check out marijuana legalities by the state to see your local weed laws. In some cases, we can make the claim even before the notice arrives which might speed up the return of the property by weeks or months. If FedEx discovers prohibited items in a package, the package and its contents will be detained until a customs examiner arrives. FedEx performs a trace on your lost package and notifies you of the outcome. But, the Fourth Amendment does not protect you from FedEx opening your package. In many cases, that kind of alert is meaningless because no drugs are ever found. If the recipient was aware of that the package contained illicit substances, then they are considered just as guilty as the person who mailed it. Florida is extremely strict when it comes to drug trafficking, and you could potentially face felony charges. If they are caught, they could face criminal charges, including drug trafficking, which can carry a heavy prison sentence. Either way, anything you say to FedEx or law enforcement might later be used against you. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They too could face criminal charges, including possession of illegal substances. The US Post Office also has their own fleet of planes that are used for the same purpose, and these items are probably X-rayed. If you know or suspect that the package contains drugs, do not send it. Privacy Policy | What happens if they find drugs in your mail? We were still pretty fearful our home would be broken into, and we didnt sleep there for a few days, said the woman. First, speak directly with either your postal carrier (if package sent via USPS) or FedEx driver (if package sent via FedEx). how to know if your package has been seized, how the police will deliver your package if its been seized. You can read about the specific penalties for each type of controlled substance being traffickedhere. If there are drugs in the package, FedEx will call a local law enforcement agency. See 13 U.S.C. For more information on drug charges and specific penalties, readhere. FedEx is very strict about packages that have tape, foam, or other types of packaging material around them. Does UPS or FedEx check packages for drugs. Garcia then took the package from the FedEx center and had another detective, dressed as a FedEx employee, bring it to Green's home, where officers monitored the premises. A federal court ruled this month that evidence of drugs obtained by police from a package at a FedEx sorting center was not seized unconstitutionally, rejecting the defendant's arguments that the . The law enforcement officer uses a canine K9 drug dog to investigate packages at a UPS or FedEx shipping facility. fake IDs (including credit cards); To do so would be very expensive and time-consuming. Typically the carrier does not detect it (the shipper is the one who sends the package). Then packages are shipped to the airport. Can shipping companies open my package? There are two scenarios where your FedEx package was seized by law enforcement. 12. | The following is a list of controlled substances commonly seized from drug packages in the United States: USPS is not the only means of shipping drugs in the United States. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. What happens if your USPS tracking says held for mailability determination?. Common warning signs of mail, text or online scams Unexpected requests for money in return for delivery of a package, often with a sense of urgency. Do not rely on advertisements when choosing the best criminal defense attorney in Tampa, FL, for your case. To learn more about FedEx, you can also read our articles on the many different areas they cover. If the dog alerts that something suspicious is in the package, then a warrant would be issued to open it. She often takes civil asset forfeiture cases on a contingency fee basis which means you pay nothing until the money is returned. And for the most part, the company does not release a detailed drug test policy to review; however, it may be helpful to read about the specifics mentioned in the company's Code of Conduct. It's possible the package was simply delivered to the wrong address. FedEx and other courier services have sophisticated screening processes in place to detect drugs and other illegal substances, so its best not to take any chances. Answer (1 of 7): Well, nothing. Whether you send drugs or another banned substance through the U.S. postal system or a private carrier, it is always illegal. She can help you decide how to respond after your property is seized from UPS or FedEx for seizure and a forfeiture proceeding. What happens if FedEx finds drugs in a package? That is if you are able to slip drugs in to their network. We only flag addresses if we feel there is something suspicious going on. Formatting marks assist with text layout. Candidates for the examinations are rigorously scrutinized during the testing process. This is because FedEx can open the packages and do a postal inspection service.. Receiving Drugs in the Mail is a Federal Offense. If your package was seized, a state or federal law enforcement officer might knock on your door during an investigation. Under Federal law, it is illegal to mail any prescription drugs or pills. (Video) Florida sending and receiving drugs in the mail. Call us to schedule a time to talk with the attorneys in the office or over the phone. After youfill out the form below, we will set up your free consultation. 7. ), Fedex Says Delivered But No Package (reasons Why This Is Happening + More), What Is Fedex Express (how Fast Is It, Price + Other Faqs), Can I Cancel A Fedex Shipment? The post offices postal inspector has set your package aside. Here are some things that FedEx looks for: talk about how they find suspicious packages. - Privacy Policy - Lawyer Website Design by: INTERNET LAVA, Crimes for Mailing Drugs through the Mail. The terms of use also explain that civil and criminal penalties, including forfeiture, may be imposed for making false or fraudulent statements or for the violation of any countrys laws on exportation, including but not limited to shipments originating in the United States. It means that a package could be cleared the scan the next day if all the information was right. If you are sending a package to someone you dont know, or if the recipients information seems suspicious in any way, its best not to send the package at all. Thelaw enforcement officer uses a canine K9 drug dog to investigate packages at a UPS or FedEx shipping facility. Learn more about the attorney's qualifications and experience in fighting criminal cases. Boxes, tape, and overnight shipping are literally what FedEx is known for. Why do law enforcement officers and local police departments focus on parcel interdiction at UPS and FedEx? This website is maintained by Jason D. Sammis and Leslie M. Sammis. Do not speak with any law enforcement officers without an attorney. Individuals involved in the trafficking of controlled substances generally conduct controlled substances transactions using United States currency. Both the drug sender and recipient will face penalties. Individuals involved in the trafficking of controlled substances may convert the currency proceeds of trafficking activity into money orders, prepaid debit cards, prepaid credit cards, or gift cards. The law enforcement seizes cash for civil asset forfeiture proceedings. Drug packages can be screened by postal inspectors. If either private shipping company believes there is a suspicious package, they have the right to contact the police or theDrug Enforcement Administration (DEA)for review. FedEx refuses to tell people for security reasons whether or not it screens people at drop-off points or distribution centers. Sending wee in the mail gets you drug trafficking charges. So, when law enforcement sees an express mail package of a certain size and weight, they are immediately suspicious. Most likely, something was off with your package and they have set it aside. It is not legal advice. Under federal laws, drug trafficking charges for prescription drugs are up to: If FedEx finds drugs in a package, they will pull it out of the mailing process. How do I know if my package was seized? Packages are X-rayed, so they can be scanned with a CT machine. What Happens If FedEx Finds Prohibited Items In A Package? 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