Info on Package Seizures From UK/Attitude

I run a rare coin business from home and frequently send and receive small packages with considerable value. Two years ago I sent 2 packages insured and they were "lost" in the mail. I was assigned a postal inspector and she filled me in on how US Customs treats inbound packages from Europe. US Customs looks at every package coming from abroad. Small heavily insured packages such as mine are given a good look, the inspector said. Mostly they are looking for explosive components. Many of the packages get drilled. Customs uses a device that drills 2 1/8 inch holes all the way through the package near the seal. They have what she called a "sniffer" that was supposed to detect dangerous odors. The vast majority of those drilled are no problem. Customs tapes over the holes and sends the package on. Since getting that news I have found a number of incoming packages with the tell-tale drill holes. NOTE -- if US Customs finds something no-no in your package they confiscate the package and send you a letter telling you about the confiscation. They will never, repeat never, go to someones home about an incoming package. Hint -- when ordering from Attitude also order a T-shirt. That larger bulkier package doesn't draw Customs interest like the smaller packages. Also order for $1.50 a shipping tin for your beans. Customs won't drill that either. Be aware and be smart out there. BigSteve