I feel a discussion like this is long overdue. What are the attack vectors that LE can potentially use, and what can we do to address them? In my opinion there are 2-3 main categories to analyze. I've come to conclusion that the amount of vectors are too much for almost anybody to manage. I focus on the one that impacts the buyers and vendors the most, and that is shipping. As a vendor, a good chunk of these should be basic practices. If they are not you will want to re-evaluate your position as a vendor.
Shipping:
Return addresses (These need to be swapped EVERY SHIPPING BATCH, and most mail is Business to Business or Business to Person, not Person to Person. No unrealistic business or people names, or fictitious addresses. The addresses can be fake and should be, but not 123 Fake St obviously. Get creative.)
Shipping stealth (This needs to be rotated or completely changed, should be minimum 3 vac seal + mylar + 1-2 VBB.)
Contamination of Shipping Supplies (Marijuana film in air adhering to box, vac seal bags, stamps, tape, anything.)
Effectiveness of vac seals and mylar bags in regards to drug dogs, and potentially machines made to sniff. This second thing I could see becoming big and it wouldn't be much to implement them into the sort facilities automated sorting machines.
Zip codes MUST MATCH THE ZIP CODE OF SOURCE CITY. This is a huge red flag I can't really preach anymore. If its priority mail, pictures are taken of them at the blue box they are picked up at. First class mail is rumored to avoid this. We need to assume the worse.
Thermal Transferred labels are a NO (We should be at a point where First Class mail should be printed directly onto envelopes with Inkjet printers, and Priority Mail should be using labels. You need to be incredibly creative on how you pay for these labels though, mass profiling is an option if you use the same method for each batch eg: same reloadable polish debit card.)
Weight should be added onto common known drug weights, such as QP and stuff alike.
Packaging should be done in a sterile environment, where drugs are not used and air filters and lots of bleach should be used.
Drops should be made to blue boxes only not covered by cameras, and it needs to be at night. Never re-use, if you do re-use the same blue box should be ignored for at least 2-3 months since last drop. There are plenty out there.
This is more of an IMO, 9 digit zips should be required. This allows for more direct routing, and quicker delivery times. And usually if the person runs the address through the USPS Zip code lookup, it also formats it exactly how the machines want it as well as cutting down on user error with addresses since it also verifies the address.
Names should be real, when you move into a house or new apartment USPS is supposed to give you a paper to give the names of people receiving packages. This happens usually if Public Records or anything aren't up to date. The more concerning factor with this is your local delivery person, and how well they know the place they are delivering the parcel to.
Tracking numbers should not be tracked via TOR or any confirmed proxy. Use a third party tracking site that uses the USPS API if you plan on using TOR or a proxy.
Automated postal machines take pictures each shipment of the person using the machine.
You need to be always using gloves, and switching them out frequently. Should be stored in a sterile environment.
This is just a chunk of what needs to be thought of in regards to the shipping process. If this is all executed well, the shipping vector should be almost irrelevant. If you are a vendor and looking for a TLDR, or can't take the time to read this then please for the love of drugs stop putting people at risk and just be a local dealer.
From "The Art of Smuggling" (an excellent, must read, if dated document) written by one of the biggest proponents of smuggling drugs in the history of the net markets. Written pre-Silk Road, around 2009:
Also, a single latex glove is not enough. You can still leave latent prints through a single layer of latex! Try the blue nitrile gloves with the grip tips, or multiple layers.
This "drug source state" flag is REAL. I have seen an affidavit where one of only three of the supsicious elements listed to establish probable cause for a warrant to open the box was that it was mailed from California.