Customs Opened Another One Of My Packages....

bigsteve

Well-Known Member
I buy and sell rare coins as a hobby and often send and receive small valuable packages from all over.
A while ago I mailed 2 insured packages that never arrived as intended. A postal inspector was assigned to the
case because of the value involved. We had a good conversation where she told me about when Customs opens
packages sent to the US from abroad.

I pumped the inspector for info as I also receive packages from Attitude. She told me that Customs WILL NEVER
come to the door of the addressee of an opened package. So, if you think your package was confiscated you don't
have to worry about a home visit. She told me that when they do open or drill a package they define as contraband
they send a letter to the addressee telling them the package was confiscated. Often, she said, they drill small packages
if they suspect the contents. They use a 1/8-inch drill and poke one or two holes in a centerline near one end. Usually,
she said, they drill a hole, sniff, and send the package on. Once they drilled one of my packages and decided to rip
it open anyways. They left the hole alone but placed a strip of green tape marked "CUSTOMS" to close the hole they opened.
The contents, Canadian silver coins, were left alone.

Bottom line for us -- they almost never drill or open larger packages from abroad. I always order a T-shirt or 2 when I order
beans. Now that I know what they drill I anticipate having a very nice T-shirt collection eventually, eh?

Hope that helps, BigSteve.
 
Thanx for the info. I bought and sold stuff overseas all the time and have never had a problem. but it only takes once.

The US mail is just as suspect tho, My buddy had 10 football cards coming back from Beckett get jacked. Peyton Manning autographed rookie card (the good Upper Deck one) was amongst them.. doh....
 
PS -- I have noticed drill holes in packages sent to me from Germany, France, Italy, Holland and the UK.
Customs doesn't seem to discriminate, small declared packages from anywhere in the EU can be targeted.

BigSteve
 
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