Mail Seizure Enquiry

[Nailsfan17]

Apologies for the nature of my enquiry, but I believe more information would discourage rather than condone irresponsible behaviour so after reading the forum rules I believe it is ok. Sincere apologies if it isn't.

Assuming, hypothetically, that someone sent me a birthday card from elsewhere in the UK and included in it a cigarette containing a very small amount of cannabis, for an extremely ill advised joke (obviously against my knowledge), and this card did not arrive, is it more likely that it has been seized or that it has been lost? Obviously such things are on the restricted items list (to say the least) but I would have thought there would be some form of notice informing the recipient of the seizure. And if an item is seized are the entire contents seized or just the prohibited item? I am asking as a genuine enquiry, I, categorically, have no intention of doing anything remotely like this myself and would honestly discourage anyone else from doing so, and so some definitive information on the subject would help, ie if there were some notice of seizure, or the card was delivered minus the additional content, then anyone involved would know not to do so again, but without notice the sender may just assume that on this occasion they were simply unlucky and the letter was lost.

Again, apologies if this enquiry breaches forum rules, I am honestly not trying to encourage such behaviour I'm just interested to know what the procedure is.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

As being in the possession of cannabis in any quantity is illegal, and the fact it is a controlled substance transmission of it by post is illegal.

At the very least the whole package will be destroyed, but more likely the items will be passed on to the IB (Royal Mails own Police Force) who will probably investigate it (with or without real Police assistance), and a prosecution is possible.

As an aside as cannabis is listed, specifically, as Prohibited Goods http://www.royalmail.com/business/help/ ... ited-goods" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; then as per the T&Cs of using their service RM can dispose of the items as they see fit, and they don't even have to inform you.

People have been found guilty of transmission of various drugs by post and there are systems in place, so even hypothetically its a bad idea to send it, and even to receive it.

[Nailsfan17]

Thanks a lot for your prompt and thorough response. It all sounds very reasonable and I agree it is a bad idea. Thanks again.

[Spedley]

20 years ago I received many (1/16th) of cannabis for personal use through the post with no issue - usually taped up inside an empty toilet roll.

I don't recommend it (the package could end up in next doors dog or children; mixed with leaking Hydrogen Peroxide; result in police knocking on your door)

To my very limited knowledge Royal Mail perform no checking of mail although it wouldn't surprise me if since 9/11 and the Anthrax events they now 'sniff' for explosives or possible toxins at the Mail Centres. I doubt they'd be interested in your joke cigarette.

[stressed157]

Occasionally we'll get a package come into the office that's obviously weed. You can smell it. IB are informed, they take the package away.