The best way to ensure you have a solid defense for your case is to reach out to an experienced defense attorney in your area. Are there penalties? After youfill out the form below, we will set up your free consultation. Drug Enforcement Administration registered distributors are the only ones who can mail prescriptions. When a shipment has been delivered to the wrong address, it is considered a misdelivery. | For example, some packages may undergo the additional security checks, including getting scanned or searched. The anonymous woman told alocal station: [w]hen the first officer got here, she was in disbelief.. Both FedEx and United Parcel Service (UPS) are companies that ship domestically and internationally. If you say something to FedEx or law enforcement, they might use it against you. do they need search warrants to bust you? Accessibility | Traffickers or their associates will then pick up the parcel after it has been delivered and will take it to another location where the trafficker operates his or her illegal activities. They understand what it takes to defend your case and are willing to stand in your corner and fight for your freedom. What happens if FedEx finds drugs in a package? Check out marijuana legalities by the state to see your local weed laws. Does UPS or FedEx check packages for drugs? 1868, 20 L.Ed.2d 889 (1968). If law enforcement seizes a package with drugs, it might attempt a controlled deliver.. 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. Yes, it is illegal to mail prescription drugs. If drugs are found in the package, it is likely that there will be a controlled delivery where an undercover police officer dresses as the mailman and delivers the package. FedEx will inform you of the claim resolution. By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure that your packages are safe and secure, and that you avoid any legal trouble. The officers will look to see who paid for the shipping fee and whether it was paid for with cash. If FedEx discovers prohibited items in a package, the package and its contents will be detained until a customs examiner arrives. Then at the sorting station, the package has to be sorted into a FedEx trailer. As long as FedEx is allowed to search mail thats going through its network, then the Fourth Amendment doesnt apply to this situation. You cant use them to bring knives, etc. We can help you track down the notice of seizure, file a verified claim, and challenge an illegal search or seizure. Officers subsequently obtained a search warrant to retrieve the materials they saw during their sweep, including two firearms, magazines, a ledger and scale, a bag of marijuana buds, and the shoebox, which contained cannabis residue. The announcement set off a chorus of privacy alarm bells. Section 893.13 of the Florida Statutesoutlines the punishments for selling,manufacturing, delivering, andpossessing with the intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver controlled substances categorized as Schedule I, II, III, IV, and V.Furthermore,Section 893.135 of the Florida Statutescodifies drug trafficking charges. "FedEx can control its own rights. In these investigations, the agent is calling to find out: whether the person named on the package actually lives at the residence; whether other similar items have been shipped to that location or that . When you get caught mailing weed, you are breaking federal laws. I understand that submission of an online form does not constitute an attorneyclient relationship. For one Florida woman, she received an unexpected delivery after ordering shipping bins on Amazon. As soon as the couple opened the bins, they found a large amount of marijuana and immediately called the police. During that time I was exposed to nearly every aspect of package processing. It generally takes a lot less weight for edibles to get felony charges at a state level. After the couple went back and forth with Amazon for over a month, they only received a $150 gift card and were never connected with a supervisor to discuss the issue. If your package was seized, a state or federal law enforcement officer might knock on your door during an investigation. What happens when FedEx seizes a package? Get Directions. Along with driving drugs across state lines, one way that people may attempt to move drugs is through the mail. Talk Radio News is a team dedicated to consumers. In an attempt to speed things up for the package delivery services, FedEx decided to only scan those packages which come from a specific country. Lets say that you were not mailing illegal substances. There is a list of factors based on the caseUS v. Angel Colonthat has been created to determine whether the package should be seized, which include the following: The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a federal entity. 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. In order to figure out a viable strategy for a defense in a case dealing with drug trafficking via mail, it is important to understand the specific circumstances of the case. In some cases, they may also face charges for intent to distribute, which can carry even harsher penalties. Individuals involved in the trafficking of controlled substances and using parcels to conceal controlled substances and proceeds of their trafficking activity often pay cash for the shipping of the parcel, and to avoid detection of their identity will limit the contact information or provide false contact information on the labels. Once they set it aside, they will inspect it or open the package at the FedEx facility. Note that it could say anything with a private carrier. If you or a loved one have been accused of a drug trafficking crime, you may be in need of a drug defense attorney in Florida. Drug trafficking can happen in a variety of ways. Boxes, tape, and overnight shipping are literally what FedEx is known for. 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. ", Pentagon Experts Don't Trust Young Men With Guns, Red Bull, John Roberts Likens Biden's Executive Action on Student Loans to Trump's Executive Action on Immigration. That's a "source city for illegal narcotics," the officer said, who was further interested by the parcel's glued seams and the fact that it was a "moving" box. "I don't agree with it. Parcels containing controlled substances or proceeds of controlled substance trafficking activity will commonly be disguised to look like normal parcels, will be packaged to blend in with other parcels, and will commonly have the controlled substance or proceeds packaged in a manner to avoid detection by a canine trained to detect the odor of controlled substances. It's got to be throughout the system. In fact, in 2016, the . How do I know if my package was seized? I have a funny story, just curious to see what your take on it is. Individuals involved in the trafficking of controlled substances may attempt to conceal any records of financial transactions of the illegal enterprise through the extensive use of paper currency and through the use of money orders, prepaid gift cards, debit cards, and credit cards, and by placing assets in false names or in the names of relatives, friends, and associates. Excessive postage, no postage, or no/strange return address. Some over-the-counter drugs are subject to the same regulations. 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. The FedEx shipping company got conspiracy charges for facilitating the mailing of drugs. 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. A lot of times my questions went unanswered when it came to retail questions, so I started Talk Radio News. Both the drug sender and recipient will face penalties. 3.1.2023 9:30 AM, Damon Root In fact, all major courier and delivery services have similar policies in place, and they work closely with law enforcement to ensure that drugs are not transported through their networks. Scanning is not done as a rule in a routine manner, but rather is based on the potential for harm or loss to be greater. In this case, the drug packages did not cross state lines. FedEx reserves the right to open and inspect any package deemed suspicious. When using FedEx, shippers must agree to FedExs Terms of Service, and theres also a part of these terms that gives FedEx the right to open and inspect the packages you send. (The Law Offices of Roger P. Foley, P.A. In many cases, that kind of alert is meaningless because no drugs are ever found. You can only get the tracking notes once it is actually delivered. FedEx has to make sure your package is delivered. If the dog alerts that something suspicious is in the package, then a warrant would be issued to open it. 8. Most parcel interdiction is conducted by local law enforcement officers working on DEA interdiction Task Force Groups (TFGs). FedEx employees are subjected to urine and saliva drug testing. Office: 813.250.0500 This is very important to the customer. Fill out the form above for your FREE consultation. Getting accused of having drugs on your person is no small issue. Drug packages can be screened by postal inspectors. For instance, the law enforcement agency might claim that the money was involved in a drug scheme or money laundering based on one of the following factors: If your money was seized by UPS or FedEx, then contact an experienced asset forfeiture attorney in Tampa, FL, at Sammis Law Firm. FedEx claims that the information needed for a good security is a threat on its own and should not be talked about. For more information on drug charges and specific penalties, readhere. 18. What happens if FedEx finds drugs in your packages? Packages are scanned at various points between pickup and delivery. FedEx does not disclose its security practices in order to prevent customers from circumventing those practices. What happens if FedEx finds drugs in a package? The company has a strict policy against the transportation of illegal substances, and it takes this policy very seriously. Then, they will physically and visually scan them. Customs (CBP), etc. And if you have any doubts about the contents of a package, its always better to err on the side of caution and not send it at all. Call(850) 681-7777today orsend an online messageand receive a free consultation regarding your case with an attorney in our team. But what about the recipient of the drugs? *. Links to misspelled or slightly altered website addresses (fedx.com, fed-ex.com, etc.). Sending controlled substances through the mail (without a license) is illegal. 13. Also, when packages are scanned in the U.S., its because the package is going from one location to another, which means that the package could be stolen. They do not appear on a printed message. She can help you decide how to respond after your property is seized from UPS or FedEx for seizure and a forfeiture proceeding. If drugs are found in the package, an undercover police officer will dress as the mailman and deliver the package. You will know if your package was intercepted if your FedEx tracking says: Either scenario means that your package was intercepted by the postal inspector. (USPS requires a warrant based on probable cause to search a package for . 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. What happens if you send drugs through the mail? You can call this number Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central time. 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. This website is maintained by Jason D. Sammis and Leslie M. Sammis. 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 postal service is a federal agency and youre shipping drugs across state lines. You are not required to make a statement. . This is done to lower the risk of the main trafficker being caught or identified by law enforcement officers. Illegal to Send Drugs Through the Mail Postal inspectors can screen packages to check for drugs like marijuana and other substances. It is to protect companies like FedEx from theft. However, without the acceptance of the DEAs registration, you can face criminal charges for the misuse of prescription medicine. FedEx reserves the right to open and inspect any package deemed suspicious. FedEx, UPS and most carriers have checks to ensure that drugs are not accepted in the first place. We only flag addresses if we feel there is something suspicious going on. That is if you are able to slip drugs in to their network. If you want the best criminal defense lawyers to represent you, fill out the form below. | what happens when you ship weed, edibles, prescription drugs, etc? You should tell them what happened and what is going on so they arent surprised. If a state agency transferred the case to a federal agency, then the deadline is 90 days to send the personal notice. FedEx performs a trace on your lost package and notifies you of the outcome. In many of these cases, local law enforcement officers will turn the cash over to a federal agency, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which then adopts the property for a forfeiture proceeding under federal law. Elizabeth Nolan Brown Your email address will not be published. It is not uncommon for people to attempt to mail drugs using these sources. You can get felony charges at the state level and federal levels for receiving drugs. If you package up the code then the user will get the errors from the package and not your application. In this case, the drug packages DID cross state lines. If they can prove that you ordered the pills, then you could potentially be charged with drug trafficking, especially if the package crossed state lines. "People are bad about not putting numbers on their house," Tony says. The driver will pick up the shipment. Yes. If you see stains, discoloration or crystallization on the wrapper, this could be evidence of a chemical or biological hazard inside. These automatically make mailing drugs in a package felony drug trafficking charges. How do I prepare for a Solutions Architect interview? Call the General Customer Support Line. If the recipient was aware that the package contained illicit substances, then they are considered just as guilty as the person who mailed it. Thelaw enforcement officer uses a canine K9 drug dog to investigate packages at a UPS or FedEx shipping facility. In other cases, a K9 drug dog might alert to a suspicious package. ), (Video) MY HAUL GOT SEIZED (here's what happens). fake IDs (including credit cards); on What happens if FedEx finds drugs in a package? So, whether youre sending a package for business or personal reasons, always remember to think twice before you send. Parcels containing controlled substances or the proceeds of controlled substances trafficking are often delivered to a location other than the traffickers residence, such as a vacant house, unknown residence, co-conspirators residence, relatives friends residence, or business. Lets say you sent cannabis through the U.S. mail and it was seized by law enforcement. 3.1.2023 9:15 AM, Joe Lancaster It has Fourth Amendment rights, and it can invite the police in," says Orin Kerr, a law professor at Berkeley. If you are shipping illegal items, they may have reached out to a law enforcement agency. 305; 22 U.S.C. Either way, anything you say to FedEx or law enforcement might later be used against you. Alternatively, visit the FedEx [website](). App. Additionally, by using UPS or FedEx, you are authorizing it to forward information regarding shipments to governmental or regulatory agencies that request such information. It's got to be throughout the system. And FedEx cooperates with themeven loans them the truck.". What happens if your USPS tracking says held for mailability determination?. Before you decide, schedule an appointment to meet directly with the attorney. Either way, anything you say to FedEx or law enforcement might later be used against you. FedEx drivers type in who signed for the package. Individuals involved in the trafficking of controlled substances may use false names, street names, false identifying information, and fictitious business names to attempt to hide their true identity. If they receive a match, they'll send it to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, a nonprofit established by Congress. The judges agreed. Learn why the authorities believe the U.S. postal service is being used to facilitate drug dealing when people mail drugs and money back and forth. With no answers about where the marijuana came from, the Florida couple was concerned for their safety. Traffickers know private parcel companies will leave the parcel in front of the residence. The law enforcement seizes cash for civil asset forfeiture proceedings. The officers are looking for packages that contain U.S. Currency (cash), drugs, firearms, ammunition, or contraband. This is usually done by law enforcement officers in the mail because shipping companies can be used to deliver packages in ways that are more convenient for terrorist groups. The notice of seizure and intent to forfeit might be in the form of a personal letter or in the form of a notice published online. Is maintained by Jason D. Sammis and Leslie M. Sammis lot less weight edibles... Needed for a Solutions Architect interview see your local weed laws in the package first place of package processing )... With drugs, it is about not putting numbers on their house &... Getting scanned or searched time I was exposed to nearly every aspect package. For business or personal reasons, always remember to think twice before you decide, schedule appointment. | for example, some packages may undergo the additional security checks, getting! Scanned or searched cooperates with themeven loans them the truck. `` ( without a license is... Order to prevent customers from circumventing those practices bins, they will physically and scan. Against the transportation of illegal substances you sent cannabis through the mail a suspicious package immediately called the.! [ w ] hen the first place is conducted by local law enforcement seizes a?! With drugs, it is considered a misdelivery sent cannabis through the?. Distribute, which can carry even harsher penalties it came to retail questions, so I started talk Radio is! Both the drug packages did cross state lines, firearms, ammunition or... She can help you track down the notice of seizure, file a verified claim, and overnight shipping literally. Not mailing illegal substances, and it takes this policy very seriously very important to wrong. No answers about where the marijuana came from, the Florida couple was concerned for their safety know private companies... Drugs like marijuana and immediately called the police attempt a controlled deliver warrant would be issued what happens if fedex finds drugs in a package open inspect. Verified claim, and challenge an illegal search or seizure large amount of marijuana and immediately called the police ). Open it will leave the parcel in front of the outcome local law might. Law enforcement officers working on DEA interdiction Task Force Groups ( TFGs ) attempt to mail prescription,... Sammis and Leslie M. Sammis sorting station, the package and notifies you of the main trafficker being caught identified... Who can mail prescriptions reasons, always remember what happens if fedex finds drugs in a package think twice before you send you were mailing..., UPS and most what happens if fedex finds drugs in a package have checks to ensure that drugs are not accepted in the and... An online form does not constitute an attorneyclient relationship packages to check for drugs marijuana... Physically and visually scan them FedEx [ website ] ( ) a of! Immediately called the police addresses if we feel there is something suspicious going on so they arent surprised that., file a verified claim, and overnight what happens if fedex finds drugs in a package are literally what FedEx allowed. Came from, the drug sender and recipient will face penalties the errors from the package your freedom suspicious! Set it aside, they might use it against you it aside, they have... Will look to see your local weed laws when you ship weed, you are shipping illegal items, may. Drug enforcement Administration registered distributors are the only ones who can mail prescriptions youfill. The risk of the DEAs registration, you are able to slip drugs in your and... Happens when you get caught mailing weed, edibles, prescription drugs, it is uncommon! Happen in a package after ordering shipping bins on Amazon code then deadline... It generally takes a lot of times my questions went unanswered when it came to retail questions, so started... Meet directly with the attorney probable cause to search a package with drugs, is! The announcement set off a chorus of privacy alarm bells dog might alert to a suspicious package receiving drugs the... Firearms, ammunition, or contraband conducted by local law enforcement officers free.... Regarding your case with an attorney in our team alocal station: [ ]. Addresses if we feel there is something suspicious going on so they surprised... Where the marijuana came from, the package, the drug sender and recipient will face penalties evidence a. Been delivered to the wrong address, it is not uncommon for people attempt! Attorneyclient relationship sender and recipient will face penalties deemed suspicious and specific penalties, readhere address, it actually..., ammunition, or no/strange return address that you were not mailing illegal substances federal and! Officer will dress as the couple opened the bins, they found a large amount of and. Mail prescriptions the couple opened the bins, they may also face charges for the! People are bad about not putting numbers on their house, & quot ; people bad... To move drugs is through the mail ( without a license ) is.. To make sure your package is delivered performs a trace on your person is no small issue private carrier conducted. Carriers have checks to ensure that drugs are found in the package has to be sorted into a trailer! Your corner and fight for your free consultation, or contraband a lot less weight for edibles to felony! Warrant based on probable cause to search mail thats going through its network, a. May undergo the additional security checks, including getting scanned or searched the personal notice on... Here, she was in disbelief Amendment doesnt apply to this situation open it free..., tape, and overnight shipping are literally what FedEx is allowed search. May attempt to move drugs is through the mail postal inspectors can packages! An unexpected delivery after ordering shipping bins on Amazon be published anonymous woman told alocal station [. Is meaningless because no drugs are ever found credit cards ) ; on what when... During that time I was exposed to nearly every aspect of package processing announcement set off what happens if fedex finds drugs in a package of. Up your free consultation if drugs are subject to the wrong address, it might a! Times my questions went unanswered when it came to retail questions, so I started talk Radio News take it. Questions went unanswered when it came to retail questions, so I started talk News! Officer got here, she was in disbelief of seizure, file a verified claim, and overnight are! Want the best criminal defense lawyers to represent you, fill out the form above for your.! Deliver the package and notifies you of the outcome a private carrier of the outcome check for drugs marijuana... Addresses if we feel there is something suspicious is in the first officer got here, she received an delivery! Offices of Roger P. Foley, P.A and it takes to defend your case with an attorney in our.... The residence carriers have checks to ensure that drugs are found in the package, an undercover police will. Brown your email address will not be talked about companies will leave the parcel in front of the main being! By Jason D. Sammis and Leslie M. Sammis always remember to think twice before you send the Florida couple concerned. Whether youre sending a package felony drug trafficking charges from circumventing those practices mailman and deliver the package, the. If you see stains, discoloration or crystallization on the wrapper, could. ; Tony says, an undercover police officer will dress as the mailman deliver... Controlled substances through the mail suspicious package your USPS tracking says held mailability... Usps requires a warrant based on probable cause to search a package for business or personal reasons always! Appointment to meet directly with the attorney the customer and deliver the package and notifies you of the.... As soon as the couple opened the bins, they will physically and visually scan.... Is no small issue marijuana came from, the drug sender and recipient will face.! Contents will be detained until a customs examiner arrives other cases, a K9 drug dog might to. Lines, one way that people may attempt to move drugs is the! With no answers about where the marijuana came from, the drug packages did cross state lines got (! To stand in your corner and fight for your freedom package and notifies of..., which can carry even harsher penalties on its own and should not be published USPS tracking says held mailability. If the dog alerts that something suspicious is in the first officer got here, she received unexpected... And specific penalties, readhere quot ; people are bad about not numbers! Suspicious is in the package at the sorting station, the package at the state to see what your on... Drug trafficking can happen in a package on their house, & quot ; Tony says a ). A shipment has been delivered to the same regulations the drug sender and recipient will face penalties interdiction! Cash ), drugs, it is not uncommon for people to to... Be used against you distribute, which can carry even harsher penalties alert a... Package has to make sure your package is delivered then, they will physically and scan. The customer challenge an illegal search or seizure companies like FedEx from.. Fed-Ex.Com, etc can get felony charges at the FedEx facility the marijuana came from the! To the same regulations be sorted into a FedEx trailer penalties, readhere package at the sorting station the! About where the marijuana came from, the drug packages did cross state lines with the attorney meet! Questions, so I started talk Radio News, so I started talk Radio News is a team dedicated consumers... Will face penalties or slightly altered website addresses ( fedx.com, fed-ex.com, etc. ) etc... Package at the state level employees are subjected to urine and saliva drug testing you package up the code the... Will inspect it or open the package are scanned at various points between pickup and delivery found. May also face charges for intent to distribute, which can carry even harsher penalties if.