Silk Road forums
Discussion => Shipping => Topic started by: SteamTroller on December 28, 2011, 08:26 pm
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I've read that USPS requires a search warrant to open your mail, but what exactly constitutes a warrant? I plan to dabble in small MDXX shipments on here, how/why would my envelope ever be targeted for a search?
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http://dkn255hz262ypmii.onion/index.php?topic=7236.msg64529#msg64529
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I've read that USPS requires a search warrant to open your mail, but what exactly constitutes a warrant? I plan to dabble in small MDXX shipments on here, how/why would my envelope ever be targeted for a search?
A search warrant! How bizarre. Over here in UK, international mail is routinely opened and inspected..as it is in Australia and other commonwealth countries. They don't need a warrant or anything. They don't open many but it does happen..I've had several opened and they always put a sticker on the front saying "inspected by Customs".
Here's common reasons they open and inspect:
- Contents of package look different (on scanner) to whats described on Cn22 Customs declaration...or just looks/smells suspect.
- Value on declaration looks undervalued compared to type of goods described.
- They're not sure if VAT/import tax needs to charged.
I think the best way to avoid it being opened is to make sure it looks professional like its from a legitimate business and has a cn22 declaration and sender address, so it doesn't stand out.
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USPS POSTAL INSPECTORS don't need a search warrant to open your mail at a USPS facility. Period.
In fact, some classes of mail that aren't first class, ie library rate/media mail can be opened by ANY USPS staff w/o a warrant for no reason at all.
This is the reality, deal with it.
First class "letter mail" under 1oz that isn't otherwise classified requires no customs declaration or inspection and unless insurance or delivery confirmation is requested, you need not sign for anything.
That's the way it should be, even if you have to pay for multiple shippings.
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USPS POSTAL INSPECTORS don't need a search warrant to open your mail at a USPS facility. Period.
Actually they do, with the exception of customs.
From the official Law Enforcement Guide to the U.S. Postal Service found here: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:1GbK6KpXRhIJ:www.hsdl.org/%3Fview%26did%3D34409+&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESiO5LwrHLo4QG7dJ8Ep5dC3VqCd_0TwFfImIDN5wTjWUOlepOsOni7v7W7qGJ9LtK8li9SAuBwXiRS0OYCcFa5xSFGdM57SaEBczykAu8Ulg-jpqBe8byQ1lmfLiSuOZPW-Q7nn&sig=AHIEtbSTNYcZoE5i7I_0q0_5Gcf7Bc8Q_Q
Page 6: "A federal search warrant is required to open U.S. Mail."
They can open your mail without a warrant, but if they try to use that evidence in court without a warrant it can be dismissed.
If you EVER find yourself in a legal bind, always ask for the warrant in court. No warrant, then the evidence has to be dismissed. However, I recommend not pressing the issue before court, and for multiple reasons: 1) If you do and they forgot to get a warrant they can get one before the court date that can be equally as valid. 2) Even if they got a warrant, if they forgot to bring it to the courtroom, then the evidence is dismissible.