Dealing with USPS Investigation Service (2 Viewers)

[chicubs1988]

I recently received a letter in the mail that one of my packages sent to another member was withheld due it being potentially “restricted” material. I’m assuming they think the chips are live (it’s a small batch of singles from a casino that closed 35 years ago).

I was planning on going to their website per the letter, but it also offers phone/in writing options for the appeal.

Anyone have recommendations on the fastest and easiest way to clear this up?

 

[allforcharity]

And you're sure it's not because you carefully padded the chips between two large bags of crystal meth?

 

[H|Q]

Are both of you in the US?

 

[chicubs1988]

Are both of you in the US?

Yes, and I’ve sent or received probably 25-50 chip shipments from my current address. Based on the timing of the letter it looks like they probably were seized before they left the local area

 

[chicubs1988]

And you're sure it's not because you carefully padded the chips between two large bags of crystal meth?

 

[buzzmonkey]

 

[H|Q]

As far as I know. There isn’t anything wrong with sending chips, live or otherwise through the mail.

 

[FordPickup92]

Sounds to me like someones plotting to steal it and you'll eventually get a letter saying they cant release them. I would file online first as the letter recommends, reaching anyone on the phone is near impossible as it is hours of automated BS. Mailing a letter to them, also likely pointless. I would check your tracking number to see what post office it was received at in your town/city and drive directly to the PO and speak to the post master at that location. Doing things in person is likely more productive than anything. ESPECIALLY if you make a scene... they really hate a scene

 

[Poker Zombie]

As far as I know. There isn’t anything wrong with sending chips, live or otherwise through the mail.

If they interpret the chips as live, it is illegal to ship over $9,999 via the mail without appropriate IRS forms.

 

[chicubs1988]

If they interpret the chips as live, it is illegal to ship over $9,999 via the mail without appropriate IRS forms.

The total “face value” of the chips was less than $500….This is actually probably the smallest and lowest value shipment I’ve sent or received via USPS

 

[H|Q]

If they interpret the chips as live, it is illegal to ship over $9,999 via the mail without appropriate IRS forms.

Which would not include having to notify a carrier service.

 

[Seeking Alpha Social Club]

This is just so weird. At least customs just opens your package and takes what they want (unfortunately not joking), but holding a package and sending you a letter. Just weird!! Has this happened to anybody else? First I've heard of it.

Best of luck!!

 

[chicubs1988]

This is just so weird. At least customs just opens your package and takes what they want (unfortunately not joking), but holding a package and sending you a letter. Just weird!! Has this happened to anybody else? First I've heard of it.

Best of luck!!

What makes it really weird is I mailed 3 packages during the same trip to the post office. The other two were delivered but this one was stopped.

 

[johnjohn]

 

[navels]

Avoid calling USPS if you can, the hold music will drive you insane in about five minutes.

 

[Poker Zombie]

Which would not include having to notify a carrier service.

Notify, I don't think so... but if a package accidently got opened (as there is a tendency to do when moving as fast as humanly possible)...

 

[ovo]

I recently received a letter in the mail that one of my packages sent to another member was withheld due it being potentially “restricted” material. I’m assuming they think the chips are live (it’s a small batch of singles from a casino that closed 35 years ago).

I was planning on going to their website per the letter, but it also offers phone/in writing options for the appeal.

Anyone have recommendations on the fastest and easiest way to clear this up?

you need more info, what is the restricted material ? Never heard of poker chips being restricted.

 

[Poker Zombie]

Were they casino used and unwashed?

Hooker-juice may count as a Hazardous Material.

 

[chicubs1988]

UPDATE: Called the USPS investigation service number, gave them my basic info and permission to verify that the contents of the package matched what I told them. Less than an hour later a postal inspector called me and said the package was cleared and back on its way. No explanation was given on why it was stopped.

 

[JustDave]

How do barrels show up on xrays? Maybe slugged chips?

 

[davislane]

UPDATE: Called the USPS investigation service number, gave them my basic info and permission to verify that the contents of the package matched what I told them. Less than an hour later a postal inspector called me and said the package was cleared and back on its way. No explanation was given on why it was stopped.

do you have this number available?

@pokrgeek21

 

[chicubs1988]

do you have this number available?

@pokrgeek21

Yes, I can send it via PM. Just keep in mind this number was provided in a letter they send me telling me to contact them. My package wasn’t lost or damaged, but stopped by the criminal inspections service at USPS for some reason.

 

[chicubs1988]

How do barrels show up on xrays? Maybe slugged chips?

It was a King International sample set, so no metal slugs. I also mailed two other packages on the same occasion, 1 with a rack and another with two racks, and neither of those were stopped. Not sure why the SFRB with 9 chips in it was the one they stopped.

 

[warma]

Glad to see it’s back in track

 

[Poker Zombie]

How do barrels show up on xrays? Maybe slugged chips?

On an x-ray clay chips show up as a solid mass. I've seen it in airport security multiple times. Now we advise the x-ray attendant that the case contains poker chips. It still usually gets the swab for explosive materials, but reduces everyone's anxiety levels.

 

[pokrgeek21]

I recently received a letter in the mail that one of my packages sent to another member was withheld due it being potentially “restricted” material. I’m assuming they think the chips are live (it’s a small batch of singles from a casino that closed 35 years ago).

I was planning on going to their website per the letter, but it also offers phone/in writing options for the appeal.

Anyone have recommendations on the fastest and easiest way to clear this up?

I would definitely file the claim online then call as soon as you have your case number. I am
Still working through a similar issue and I got the best results when I called in and talked to a real person not the automated person, and was able to give them my claim number.

 

[davislane]

Just a quick update for those who were following, after a lot of persistence from @pokrgeek21, this parcel was able to finally get moving after almost 3 months of being in Chicago and its finally in Sydney! Looking forward to finally receiving this one. Total days in transit so far 101 days.

Fingers crossed it gets here next way.