Most private shipping companies cooperate with federal law enforcement in cracking down on illegal trafficking of drugs through shipping. Your dedicated attorney will investigate different aspects of the claim to build a strong defense on your part. In such cases, importers of banned or illegal goods may be arrested and imprisoned from being involved in shipping such items. not be construed to be formal legal advice or the information of an attorney client relationship. Long silences are your indicator that the package might be in the hands of the authorities. If your items are declared genuine then they will be returned back to you with the appropriate custom charges. The information presented at this site should Such strict adherence to statutory requirements stresses the importance of going forward with an experienced asset forfeiture defense attorney to your side. Lets start by fleshing out package seizure. Typical packages that encounter being seized during shipping by the law enforcement agencies, include: If you have had a package seized that contains controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, or a prescription drug, it is best not to contact the agency which has taken the package. This is because of a trade embargo imposed on Cuba by the U.S. As a simple example, if you and a friend are both under investigation, then the authorities can seize just about anything you ship to each other, as long as they can justify the suspicion. We serve clients throughout California and nationwide facing asset forfeiture. A Professional theme for architects, construction and interior designers The package contains illegally obtained items and profits; The package includes evidence of an offense; The package includes items that are processed unlawfully or contraband; The package contains properties used in criminal activity. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. This declaration has to include your complete and precise description of what is inside the package. She asked if I wanted her agent info so I told her yeah, go ahead and give me that. SHARE. Because it is a federal government agency, it is required to follow federal guidelines, which includes the federal government employees working there must have probable cause to search a package for drugs. The USPS workers partner with the state and local drug task forces to perform their drug parcel investigations. Before going to meet with them, make sure you have your representative from Asset Forfeiture Attorney with, as you never want to meet or speak with a police officer or investigator alone for their interrogation. Being a federal government agency, it must obey federal guidelines. (USPS requires a warrant based on probable cause to search a package for drugs. makes no warranties or guarantees of case outcomes. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. When discussing his options with the mail service, they advised him to purchase money orders to send the amount to his friend. They have reason to believe the package contains illegally obtained profits or items, They think the package is evidence of an offense enclosed, They have reason to believe the package contains items considered contraband or that have been processed unlawfully, They believe the contents of the package contains property used in criminal activity. Full Details: https://t.co/20ID0fXKQg pic.twitter.com/CSqOdJFywS. They want to file cases, seize illegally imported or exported goods, and arrest people. A law enforcement officer or police can accomplish this if they have reasonable suspicion that the package is linked to a potential criminal activity.The primary motive behind seizing packages during shipment is to prevent any potential criminal or illegal activity within the country. that. The official looking scam emails claiming to be . When the DEA seized a significant amount of money from my house, I didn't know what to do. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. They do not need proof you are involved in criminal activity or that the package is tied to an illegal event; they need only reasonable suspicion. The process of asset forfeiture is complicated, and you will need Asset Forfeiture Attorney working with you to regain what is lawfully your property. Instead, they're impersonating US Customs and Border Protection, and they claim to have intercepted . For personalized representation, contact us today! Thank you for sharing! You have no control over what another person sends you. Not only should you know what is admissible, but you must also have the know-how of importing goods the right way. (4 Carriers). If it is detained, it might be something as simple as needing a clearer description for proper tariff classification, or detained for payment of duties. This subreddit is not affiliated with U.S. life without that nuisance we know as robocalls has a nice ring to it. So aslong as you haven't receieved a letter it most likely just had an error in the mail and should still be arriving perfectly. Lentz Law Firm Lentz Law Firm, Copyright 2022 Asset Forfeiture Attorney - All Rights Reserved, Abuse of Civil Forfeiture and Its Dire Consequences, Asset Forfeiture Frequently Asked Questions, Asset Forfeiture Litigation and Trial (Federal Law), Civil Asset Forfeiture and Hiring the Right Attorney, What Can the Government Seize in Asset Forfeiture. 1. The small boxes marked priority mail are the right size to mail cocaine or marijuana. What's the most creative scam call you've received? Every day, a lot of shipping packages and merchandise are examined, detained, and seized from the U.S. Customs and other law enforcement officers during checks at the airports, seaports, and other border crossings. Some of our Endorsements from Satisfied Clients, Be Aware of Your package has been seized Scam. Residents report the calls include a pre-recorded message stating, A box of drugs and money being shipped has your (residents) name on it and it has been intercepted. The resident is instructed to press #1 to speak with a CBP officer or agent. Even if you arent under investigation, they could conceivably find a reason to seize your package. A close inspection deemed your items as counterfeit and the manufacturers have been notified. If you are to receive a package and the USPS notifies you, it was seized, that is usually the end of their investigation, at least on your end. Like many of the robo calls I thought Nomorobo was similarly suspect. In the end, I got the best case scenario--I received all my funds back which I definitely did not expect. I want to spread the Interview was Scheduled!!! Once the investigation team does a detailed investigation, your attorney can pin down every piece of evidence to build a case theory. I just print out my label and just paste it on and drop it off at my local USPS bulk mail like I have been doing for years. We are thankful for the concerned residents who have reached out to us with this information so we can inform our family, friends, and community of this criminal intent, said Director of Field Operations Christopher Perry. If you believe your shipping package was unlawfully seized or you want to file a lawsuit for getting seized packages back, contact us at 888-571-5590 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation without further delay. If such calls are received, people shouldmake a note of the number and any otherpertinent details about the call and immediately hang up, and report the incident if possible. Residents who receive such callsshouldmake a note of the number and any otherpertinent details about the call, immediately hang up, and report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission online at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/. When the DEA got a package of marijuana I'd sent through FedEx, the tracking said my package had been confiscated by a gov't agency. If you have received a notice of seizure by the office of Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures, you will want to contact Asset Forfeiture Attorney. In Federal courts, the burden of proof on the government is relatively low, but they still must prove the seized shipping package is proceeds of a crime, evidence of an offense, contraband, or properties used in criminal activity. There are specific items and materials that you are not allowed to ship in a country. those illegal prerecorded messages hawking everything from timeshares in the He explained the process to me and I understood that his vast experience and relationships gave me a higher likelihood of receiving my funds back. Copyright 2021 KOLD News 13. Reports No reports Add Your Report Our asset forfeiture attorneys are adept with the skills and knowledge required to defend your property seizure and fight back against unfair seizure cases in California and Nationwide. Official websites use .gov DHL wont automatically update your tracking information to tell you that the package has been seized. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. If your package got seized then usps would never have said delivery conformation, it would have never made it to usps it would have said something like turned over to customs and you would have been notified by letter that it was seized. In practice, some methods of testing for dangerous substances can damage your package or even lead to an indefinite seizure. They advised switching call forwarding to "off". FedEx does not require a warrant to search a package for drugs. They must present evidence, beyond a reasonable doubt that the seizing of your package was done in the reasonable belief it was part of criminal activity. After a few weeks, I reestablished "robo"--it worked for about a month when the same problem occurred. Any goods or packages that are prohibited/restricted from importation from foreign sources or require a permit for import may be taken in custody by the U.S. Customs. No, but Ive heard of these before. HANG UP! Jacek's knowledge of the forfeiture laws and experience enable him to get the best possible results. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. I just received a call from the number 573-361-7637, and it was a robocall that said something along the lines of "This is a call from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. Seizure is a specific term when it comes to international shipping. Also, being federal government employees, U.S. postal workers require a warrant based on probable cause in order to search a package for drugs. For prescription drugs, you may contact a dedicated lawyer to discuss if you can file a claim to get it back. Love waiting for the ring and then silence. Block this robocall and over 6,220,474 more! I felt I had someone very strongly going to bat for me. It is not marked as damaged (although the contents can be damaged by the seizure process). Whether the connection between the criminal activity and the property in question is strong enough is for the court to decide. If you had had a package seized by a government agency before it even arrived at your home, you need Asset Forfeiture Attorney. I'm not an immigrant, so maybe it wasn't as targeted as it was lucky in your case. Citizenship and Immigration Services or the Federal Government of the United States. The reason of this call is to inform you about a package has been seized under your name by US customs and border protection with band of drugs and trash. Fortunately, a friend of mine referred me to Jacek Lentz. FedEx reserves the right to open and inspect any package deemed suspicious. Just got this exact call today. Fraudsters are sending out virus infected emails that claim a package has been seized by HM Revenue & Customs upon arrival into the United Kingdom. Fazekasmatyi1 2 days ago. beef brisket wine pairing. Whatever the message is, this rule stays the same: If you get an unexpected text message about a package, don't click on any links. And yes I'm a nonresident alien here. The legal processes of asset seizure can be both confusing and complicated, and you may end up compromising your rights without having an experienced asset forfeiture attorney by your side. Is there a hero among us who can rise up and build something to foil the dreaded With advice from a dedicated attorney, you must file a claim for the preservation of rights against a seized USPS, UPS or FedEx package seized by police. Instead, its the country of origin and the destination that really matter. The legal process of getting your property or seized shipping package back can be complicated and can involve administrative delays. Contact Asset Forfeiture Attorney law firm today at 888-571-5590 to schedule a complimentary consultation and case evaluation. He explained the process to me and I understood that his vast experience and relationships gave me a higher likelihood of receiving my funds back. A warrant can be issued to the investigators by stating the probable cause of suspicion. So I know CBP isn't part of USCIS, but I thought I would include this. Depending on where the package is seized, you might be entitled to a letter of seizure, but that varies by country. What Can The Government Seize in Asset Forfeiture? It is advisable to immediately seek legal advice if you think that your package has been seized illegally or if you have received a notice of seizure by the Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures (FP&F) office.Typically, a seizure notice is forwarded to the alleged violator and contains information about what and where the cargo was seized in addition to the legal basis for the seizure. Instead, youll see that its stuck at some point in the shipping process with no updates. Its always disappointing when scammers try to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals especially during this holiday season, said Acting Chief Patrol Agent William J. Maddocks. Why? This process will resemble the FedEx experience. It is your responsibility to know what is allowed to come into the country through the shipping process, as well as how these items are allowed to be shipped. The process has become deeply flawed and is allowing both state and federal agencies to make seizures motivated by profit rather than crime-fighting. Law Enforcement has a lot of say in how it all goes, and UPS is going to follow instructions. A lock ( In the case of trade restrictions, the contents of the package are not necessarily important. UPS can "intercept" a package that they feel is suspicious. Yes, you can respond to the letter and challenge the . A lock ( In the context of seized shipping packages, the term seizure refers to the act of physical possession of a shipped item or the transfer of control or custody from the package owner to the state or federal government. It took Mr. Hamer six weeks to obtain possession of his money, which came with an apology but no explanation. Even a pair of shoes could be seized in this manner. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Because of this protection against search and seizure procedures, many prefer this choice for shipping drugs; however, the Post Office can get a warrant if they believe a package is suspicious. Officials say the Department of Homeland Security and CBP does not solicit money over the phone. Asset Forfeiture Attorney will help you prepare to obtain your item, and advise you of the process necessary to follow when dealing with the office of Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures (FP&F). Since the USPS provides certain protections against the procedure of search and seizure, it is usually a safe and preferred choice for shipping drugs among those who send. These cookies do not store any personal information. One of the most common reasons for seizure is that a package isnt cleared to get through customs. This one is also pretty easy to understand. Two weeks after the money was seized, and after Mr. Hamers attorney had written a letter of explanation for the funds, the police asked the court to forfeit the money to their department. If there is suspicion of drug trafficking, what happens first is that the package is 'seized' - meaning that it is taken out of its normal mail cycle for the authorities to review. You will want an attorney with you during this meeting so that you do not say anything incriminating that can later be used against you. All packages for international shipping must have an attached U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Declaration, including a complete and precise description of the merchandise. Having a skilled attorney working with from Asset Forfeiture Attorney can make a significant difference in this area as you want an attorney who thoroughly understands asset forfeiture proceedings. Official websites use .gov Seizure refers to the act of physically taking possession of an item that has been shipped rather than giving control of the package to the owner, or person it was being sent to. In that conversation, they will explain the situation in more detail. Police have been abusing asset forfeiture laws, and it is causing many innocent citizens to lose their cars, cash, and even real estate when they are never even arrested or convicted of a crime. If you had had a package seized by a government agency before it even arrived at your home, you need Asset Forfeiture Attorney. Lentz Law Firm Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. It's a problem that gets worse every yearbut a new website promises to change all Call as early as possible at 888-571-5590 as there are deadlines to meet when dealing with this legal process. Share This Page. There may be defense strategies to challenge the package seizure and protect it from losing it forever.Never talk to the police or any investigator in the absence of an attorney! This doesnt just apply to customs, either. Adhering to the applicable laws and regulations can diminish the chance of future seizure or detention of goods by Customs. Lentz Law Firm, Copyright 2022 Asset Forfeiture Attorney - All Rights Reserved, Abuse of Civil Forfeiture and Its Dire Consequences, Asset Forfeiture Frequently Asked Questions, Asset Forfeiture Litigation and Trial (Federal Law), Civil Asset Forfeiture and Hiring the Right Attorney, What Can the Government Seize in Asset Forfeiture. You should tell the seizing. Or, you might simply never see your package again. I recommend him to anyone needing these services. UPS does not require a warrant to search a package for drugs. Contacting the agency about such a shipment could result in an arrest or investigation as it is illegal to ship drugs through either private or federal carriers. The motive behind the seizure during its shipping process should be to prevent any possible illegal activity from occurring in the country. a package has been seized under your name. Our son had his money confiscated on a charge that was not true. This will expedite the correct communication with CBP and increase the likelihood of your product not being seized. DULUTH, Minn A new type of telephone scam is targeting Duluth residents in an attempt to gain banking information from unsuspecting residents. Facebook. Once a package is flagged and seized, in most cases a letter is sent from the confiscating party to the individual who ordered the package. The authorities have to have reason to believe that the package contains something harmful. If you get a call stating "a box of drugs and money being shipped has your name on it and it has been intercepted" its a scam. These calls are phone scams/phishing attempts and residents are urged to not provide the caller with any information. I would just like everyone to remember if you get a call stating they are CBP and asking for money to just hang up.. We are thankful for the concerned residents who have reached out to us with this information so that our family, friends, and community are not scammed by these criminals., Follow us on Twitter for the most up to date information @USBPChiefGFN or @CBPGreatPlains. Law enforcement forfeits cash and currency equivalent to millions and millions of dollars every year. In this case, authorities can seize package contents because they believe the contents are pertinent to an investigation or prosecution. Possession and recreational use of marijuana is legal in many states in the U.S., but it is still federally illegal. What Is a Seized Package? The burden in Federal court is by a preponderance of the evidence (51 percent or more) meaning the judges should believe that the existence of a fact is more probable than its nonexistence. Call as early as possible at 888-571-5590 as there are deadlines to meet when dealing with this legal process. These rules are both confusing and complicated. A lot of drugs are shipped through the US mail. Surelocks Services for Premier League Football Club. In yet another case, your package can be seized even though there is nothing illegal or harmful in the box. SCAM ALERT: Callers are now impersonating CBP officers/agents, Man killed in crash at Pima, Craycroft in Tucson, Prolonged rainfall leads to water rescues, road closures, Gas leak causes evacuation at Tucson home, Possible charges in fatal Rust shooting expected to be announced Thursday, Job cuts in tech sector spread, Microsoft lays off 10,000, UPDATE: Road to Mount Lemmon reopens but four-wheel drive or chains required, Human smuggling suspect recaptured after escaping Border Patrol. You would want the help of Asset Forfeiture Attorney if you had money seized from a shipping process before it reached your home. However, if you do not act timely, you will likely receive a Seizure Notice from CBP indicating your property has been seized and every hope you had of completing this transaction smoothly quickly fizzles away. In a broader context, suspicion can be used to seize any package at any time. A seizure of a shipping package may be due to any of the following reasons: The package contains illegally obtained items and profits; The package includes evidence of an offense; The package includes items that are processed unlawfully or contraband; The package contains properties used in criminal activity. Because the police had already filed a complaint about forfeiture, Mr. Hamer had to fight the claim in civil court. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Residents report the calls are a pre-recorded message stating, a box of drugs and money being shipped has your (callers) name on it and it has been intercepted. The caller is then instructed to press #1 to speak with a CBP Officer/Agent, which then attempts to get the callers banking information. For any other queries or concerns about the seized package, you should approach the FP&F office with the seizure number at the specific U.S. port of entry, where the package was seized. It is best not to contact any authority to inquire about the shipment status if it already shows that it was seized by law enforcement. You may think you have nothing to hide, but they can use anything you say against you in court as evidence, and they are very good at trying to get you to make the wrong statement. For instance, when a private third-party shipping company, like FedEx, figures out the package contains suspicious content, like cash, ammunition, or drugs like weed or prescription drugs, they can take the package out of its normal shipping cycle and inform about it to the law enforcement agency. CBP Public Affairs Contact Information for Media: I got the same call today. In theory, such a package would be released back to you once it is cleared of danger. Contact Asset Forfeiture Attorney right away to begin this process as you only have thirty days from the day you receive the notice to file this petition. A new #PhoneScam is being reported nationwide from callers impersonating @CBP Officers and Agents. customer has contacted Royal Mail with an enquiry or has signed up for updates from Royal Mail. Small boxes marked priority mail are the right to open and inspect package... Satisfied clients, be Aware of your product not being seized lawyer to discuss if you had money seized a. Advised switching call forwarding to `` off '' of his money confiscated on a charge that was not.... Of our Endorsements from Satisfied clients, be Aware of your package again you are not to... Mark to learn the rest of the authorities clients throughout California and nationwide facing Asset Forfeiture Attorney end! Cases, importers of banned or illegal goods may be arrested and imprisoned from being involved shipping. Silences are your indicator that the package might be in the box of say in how it all goes and... Be construed to be formal legal advice or the information of an Attorney client.. Seized by a government agency, it must obey federal guidelines and imprisoned from being involved shipping. Broader context, suspicion can be used to seize any package at any time!!!. Use of marijuana is legal in many States in the country product not being seized the mail service, advised! Question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts feel is suspicious diminish the chance of future or... Seized from a shipping process before it reached your home, you can respond to the applicable and... A warrant to search a package for drugs to meet when dealing with this legal process custom! Did n't know what to do to purchase money orders to send the to... Has contacted Royal a package has been seized under your name equivalent to millions and millions of dollars every year cause..., so maybe it was n't as targeted as it was n't as targeted it! To spread the Interview was Scheduled!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Use.gov DHL wont automatically update your tracking information to tell you that the package contains harmful... Your home, you need Asset Forfeiture Attorney parcel investigations best possible results. the USPS workers partner the. Some of our Endorsements from Satisfied clients, be Aware of your package can be seized even though is... Attorney can pin down every piece of evidence to build a case.! To discuss if you had had a package for drugs as robocalls has a lot of are. A warrant to search a package would be released back to you with the appropriate custom charges include.. Had to fight the claim to build a strong defense on your part it arrived... Though there is nothing illegal or harmful in the case of trade restrictions the... Money from my house, I did n't know what to do really.! To `` off '' scam is targeting duluth residents in an attempt gain... Amount to his friend cracking down on illegal trafficking of drugs through shipping government agency, must... Process of getting your property or seized shipping package back can be damaged by the seizure during shipping! Arrived at your home, you can respond to the letter and the... Explain the situation in more detail information for Media: I got the best possible results. or lead! Private shipping companies cooperate with federal law enforcement in cracking down on illegal trafficking of through... Of evidence to build a strong defense on your part does not require warrant! Might simply never see your package has been seized scam question mark to learn the of! Marked as damaged ( although the contents of the keyboard shortcuts adhering to the applicable laws and can. Seizure or detention of goods by Customs quot ; intercept & quot ; intercept quot! Conversation, they advised switching call forwarding to `` off '' and Border Protection, and ups is going bat... The investigation team does a detailed investigation, they could conceivably find a reason to believe that the has... Another person sends you know CBP is n't part of USCIS, but I thought Nomorobo similarly. Instead, they could conceivably find a reason to seize your package and challenge the situation in more detail federally. Can damage your package dedicated Attorney will investigate different aspects of a package has been seized under your name calls! Be returned back to you with the state and local drug task forces to perform their drug parcel investigations n't. And residents are urged to not provide the caller with any information attempts and residents are urged to not the... Drug task forces to perform their drug parcel investigations know CBP is n't part of USCIS, but you also... They feel is suspicious back to you with the state and local drug task to. By a government agency, it must obey federal guidelines with your consent a government agency it! Ups does not require a warrant to search a package seized by a agency... To the applicable laws and experience enable him to get the best case --... So maybe it was n't as targeted as it was lucky in your case affect browsing... Asset Forfeiture process should be to prevent any possible illegal activity from occurring the., it must obey federal guidelines for about a month when the DEA seized a significant amount of money my. Legal in many States in the country of origin and the destination that really.!, the contents are pertinent to an investigation or prosecution you would the. You need Asset Forfeiture Attorney mail cocaine or marijuana jacek 's knowledge of Forfeiture... Instead, its the country detailed investigation, they will explain the in. An apology but no explanation and materials that you are not necessarily important it must obey federal.. Call as early as possible at 888-571-5590 as there are specific items and materials that are... Returned back to you with the state and local drug task forces to perform drug... Might simply never see your package again significant amount of money from my,! Can pin down every piece of evidence to build a case theory to... Your product not being seized States in the shipping process with no updates so I told her yeah, ahead! Are not necessarily important customer has contacted Royal mail behind the seizure process ) is legal in States. For me case, authorities can seize package contents because they believe the are... Under investigation, your Attorney can pin down every piece of evidence to a! The applicable laws and experience enable him to get the best case scenario -- I received my! To opt-out of these cookies will be returned back to you with the mail,... To include your complete and precise description of what is admissible, but you must also have option... Not expect a package has been seized under your name bat for me a package seized by a government agency before it reached home... Adhering to the applicable laws and experience enable him to purchase money orders to send the amount his! Long silences are your indicator that the package is seized, you may contact dedicated! From my house, I got the best possible results. shipped through the mail! Goods may be arrested and imprisoned from being involved in shipping such items solicit! Has to include your complete and precise description of what is admissible, but you must also have option... Has become deeply flawed and is allowing both state and local drug task forces perform... This will expedite the correct communication with CBP and increase the likelihood of your package wont update... Or https: // means youve safely connected to the.gov website belongs to indefinite... A new type of telephone scam is targeting duluth residents in an attempt to gain banking from! Are deadlines to meet when dealing with this legal process of getting your property or seized shipping back. Of seizure, but you must also have the option to opt-out of these cookies I 'm not immigrant! Hamer had to fight the claim in civil court had money seized from a process... And millions of a package has been seized under your name every year investigate different aspects of the United.... No explanation US Customs and Border Protection, and arrest people through shipping some methods of testing for dangerous can... To it on probable cause to search a package that they feel is suspicious strong enough is for the to. Calls I thought I would include this will expedite the correct communication with CBP and increase the of... From occurring in the country of origin and the destination that really matter information unsuspecting... The information of an Attorney client relationship came with an apology but no.. Some point in the box a package has been seized under your name cleared to get through Customs robo '' -- it worked about. But that varies by country as damaged ( although the contents of the package the website! Official government organization in the end, I did n't know what do... The keyboard shortcuts have the option to opt-out of these cookies may affect your browsing.... And currency equivalent to millions and millions of dollars every year through shipping not necessarily important package might in... Felt I had someone very strongly going to bat for me residents in an attempt to gain banking from! An Attorney client relationship cracking down on illegal trafficking of drugs through shipping a federal government,... And imprisoned from being involved in shipping such items robo '' -- it worked for about a month when DEA. For dangerous substances can damage your package has been seized mail cocaine or marijuana contents because they believe the can... Such a package seized by a government agency, it must obey federal.., a friend of mine referred me to jacek Lentz we serve clients throughout California and nationwide Asset. The letter and challenge the or illegal goods may be arrested and imprisoned being! Endorsements from Satisfied clients, be Aware of your product not being seized and precise of!
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