A batch of letter-sized airmail envelopes-from a country well known as a source of narcotics-that are bulky and much heavier than ordinary airmail letters, are stopped at the Post Office in New York. A U.S. Customs Inspector opens the letters and finds heroin. No search warrant was sought. Would this be considered an illegal search and seizure?

Question

A batch of letter-sized airmail envelopes-from a country well known as a source of narcotics-that are bulky and much heavier than ordinary airmail letters, are stopped at the Post Office in New York. A U.S. Customs Inspector opens the letters and finds heroin. No search warrant was sought. Would this be considered an illegal search and seizure? ​

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Border searches are an exception to the search warrant requirement, allowing customs officials to conduct searches on items entering the country without a warrant, based on the need to regulate and protect the country's borders.

A Batch of Letter-Sized Airmail Envelopes-From a Country Well Known