Drug Trafficking in the United States by Using the Mail (2024)

By Dr. Jarrod Sadulski|06/05/2024

Drug trafficking in the United States is all too common. Drug traffickers ship illegal drugs throughout the United States through virtually any form of transportation. For instance, traffickers may use:

• Private automobiles
• Planes
• Boats
• Commercial trucks
• Recreational vehicles

Another common way for traffickers to get drugs to buyers is through the U.S. Postal Service. This method of drug smuggling is attractive to traffickers due to its inherent anonymity and relatively low cost.

The US Postal Inspection Service Works to Combat Illicit Drugs Sent by Mail

The The United States Postal Inspection Service is at the forefront of combating illegal drugs that are shipped through the mail. Between October 2021 and June 2022, for instance, the Postal Inspection Service and its partners conducted:

• 1,607 seizures resulting in the confiscation of 7,189 pounds of methamphetamine
• 1,727 seizures resulting in the confiscation of 5,393 pounds of cocaine
• 1,554 seizures resulting in the confiscation of 4,038 pounds of fentanyl
• 126 seizures resulting in the confiscation of 99 pounds of heroin

More recently, WSB-TV Atlanta reported that over150 tons of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and other illicit drugs were shipped through the mail.

In addition to these substances, marijuana remains a significant part of the drug trafficking ecosystem. There are countless seizures of marijuana each year aimed at curbing its distribution through both mail and other transportation methods.

According to the Postal Inspection Service, its efforts to prevent drugs from being sent to buyers involve both domestic and foreign mail. This government agency also conducts criminal investigations and helps in the effort to dismantle drug trafficking organizations, including transnational criminal organizations, that use the dark web to sell and ship illicit drugs to users.

The Postal Inspection Service has also created a national task force officer (TFO) program to combat crimes. This program uses state and local law enforcement officers who partner with postal inspectors, utilizing local intelligence and networks to intercept drugs such as marijuana or cocaine in the U.S. mail.

The Postal Inspection Service works with federal partners as well. These partners include federal agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Anyone Can Be Responsible for Shipping Drugs

Many people – from sophisticated organized crime groups to high school seniors – can be responsible for shipping drugs through the mail. According to the Postal Inspection Service, a year-long investigation resulted in the arrest and 18-year sentencing in federal prison of a mother and son. They sent 8,400 drug parcels by mail, using a dark web vendor called Meds4U.

The investigation resulted in the discovery of an estimated 75 pounds of methamphetamine, packaging, shipping supplies, and scales. The criminals hid their cash in the wall of an apartment in Arlington, Texas.

Using K-9 Dogs to Detect Illegal Drugs in the Mail

To detect cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, or other drugs being shipped through the mail, law enforcement officers use K-9 dogs to detect drugs in packages at mailing facilities. These officers also utilize intelligence sources, undercover operations, and confidential informants. Once someone is suspected of trafficking drugs by mail, investigators commonly track the drug shipment to identify everyone involved in the crime.

Trafficking illegal drugs through the mail is a federal offense and carries steep penalties. In areport by the Postal Service Office of Inspector General, investigators found that a cocaine trafficker claimed to have used the Postal Service to successfully distribute nearly 4,000 shipments, stating that they had a 100% delivery success rate.

The same report also noted, “In addition, of the 96 traffickers who indicated they used the Postal Service as their shipping provider, 43 percent (41) offered free, partial, or full reshipment if the package did not arrive to the buyer’s address because it was confiscated, stolen, or lost.” Offering a reshipment if drugs are confiscated reflects the brazen use of the U.S. Postal Service by drug traffickers.

Where to Report Illegal Drug Activity Involving the US Mail

Ordinary citizens can help to combat the nationwide problem of illegal drugs being shipped through the mail. For example, if you observe a neighbor shipping frequent, unusual packages and an unusual odor emanating from that home, it is possible that drugs such as methamphetamine are being produced and shipped from that residence. You can report your observations to local law enforcement or to the Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455.

Homeland Security Degrees at AMU

American Military University (AMU) offers two comprehensive degrees designed to prepare students to tackle some of the most pressing homeland security threats facing our country today, including drug shipping in the United States. These degrees are:

• An online bachelor’s degree in homeland security
• An online master’s degree in homeland security

Courses in these programs include topics such as critical infrastructure protection, intelligence and homeland security, border and coastal security, cyber warfare, emergency planning, and homeland security and defense. These courses are taught by experienced faculty members.

Through these programs, AMU students have the opportunity to learn critical skills and knowledge to help them to effectively contribute to law enforcement efforts to combat criminal threats such as drug smuggling and drug trafficking. For more information, visit our program page.