"To Catch a Smuggler" on National Geographic. Behind the scenes at USPS.

Sorry if this has been mentioned already.

There is a NATGEO show called "To Catch a Smuggler." Watch the episode called "Hidden Heroin" for an inside look at how a USPS bust goes down.

I need to re-watch, but I think they left out the information on WHY they profiled the packaged, but you get to see what happens after they suspect drugs are in a package, and all the processes that lead up to a CD.

They start the CD process towards the end of the episode but unfortunately it ends without actually witnessing the CD.

Something I noticed is that the investigators were SHOCKED that the person used his real name for the delivery. Apparently the person had an arrest record for heroin already, so it made it easier for LE to tie the package to him. Maybe you shouldn't ALWAYS use a real name, especially if you have any kind of drug history on your record...

There are probably more USPS busts to be seen in other episodes, but I have only seen the first two episodes. It's on Netflix BTW.

EDIT: Confirmed, episode 3 has more USPS busts. They show agents using XRAY machines to find concealed drugs.


Comments


[6 Points] None:

Thanks for the info! I didn't know about this one. Good point about the prior record being a factor when it comes to linking packages to addressees. Further reason NOT to drink and drive or use and drive. Keep those records pristine if you can.


[3 Points] noonehear:

I think I saw an episode of that... Mexicans were trying to smuggle black tar heroin into the US via car engine pistons. Very creative stealth I have no idea how they got caught (profiling / tipped off?). Pistons where opened on bottom, filled with around 28g of h then rewelded shut and they still got caught... Most normal pistons weigh around the same within a tiny amount and theses were all different from each other by 1-3 grams (still without opening how do you know this?). [EDIT: These were brand new pistons not pistons installed in a used / new motor... just bare pistons...]


[1 Points] None:

They do this kind of thing on Drugs, Inc all the time. Here is the way it evolves on the show:

  1. Inspector sees a package that looks suspicious
  2. Inspector opens it up
  3. Turns out there is drugs it, so he was right!

I don't have any direct knowledge, but this is what I think actually happens.

  1. Inspectors open up 1,000 packages
  2. 1 package has drugs in it
  3. NatGeo shows up to film
  4. They reseal the 1 package and "recreate" the scene for the camera


[2 Points] None:

I'm watching that this weekend now. Seems cool to watch.


[1 Points] None:

they were profiling packages from india heavily, they had scenes ripping open packages and finding pills, the way of the packaging (burlap sack seal) is common from india.

that episode ended with them sending it down for a controlled delivery.. but it didn't lead to any arrests.

don't buy drugs from india.


[1 Points] totes_meta_bot:

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[1 Points] Darwiz:

Interesting


[1 Points] jewjewbee123456:

are they allowed to open domestic packages like they did on the show? are international envelopes x-rayed? if everything is x-rayed, how are they not catching everyone?


[1 Points] air-line:

i just watched all the episodes over a couple of days and it is interesting. after that i started watching Border Security Australia's Front Line (AKA Nothing To Declare) which there are 14 seasons of (very popular show apparently)!

they show a lot more mail room action on this show and they are really good and thorough in searching for and catching drug packages. its no wonder so many vendors don't ship there or won't refund if seized.

the most interesting thing that iv noted between watching these 2 shows is the different demeanor in which the customs agents and investigators act in the US (NY State) and Australia.

in the US the cops are totally pumped and just seethe with adrenaline and hostility towards the suspects/"criminals". they get such a kick out of fucking with the suspects and getting them to confess its like a total game to them where ruining someones life and fucking them over is a goal worth more then an olympic medal to achieve.

they even talk about it being a game and what a rush it it is and how much they love catching people with drugs. they even talk about how they HOPE a suspect has drugs in his stomach and when he doesn't they are disappointed that they were wrong and that he gets to go about his business! its really sick in my opinion (and i hope they all hang from trees by there necks btw).

but in Australia the customs agents look much less self interested in doing there work. they are much calmer, they are not psychologically abusing the suspects nor trying to scare the living daylights out of them. they even repeatedly warn the suspects that they do not have to talk and that anything they say can be used as evidence against them!

which is the exact opposite of what you see in the US, in Australia they look genuinely interested in making sure the suspect understands the right to remain silent instead of what you see in the US where they try as hard as they can to get the suspect to wave that right.

they don't look like there hoping with adrenaline they just appear fairly calm as if there just trying to earn a paycheck and do there jobs properly. it doesn't look like a game it looks more like anybody doing any job.

what is it it about the American culture that turns LE people into such bloodthirsty rabid dogs that thrive off of other peoples misery and painful emotions? why are they treating it like a game like its if they lose then the suspect wins?

one thing i noticed that is interesting is that the customs mail room employees in the US said that they may not catch any drugs for weeks at a time but every now and then one pops up. but in Australia its like BAM BAM BAM catching drug packages left and right.

you can tell the technology, methods and X-rays look a lot more advanced (could just be editing and they might also have more people working customs then in the US).

iv also noticed that in Australia they talk really cool and sound very exotic while in the US they just sound normal, boring and regular.

anyway interesting shows and quite addicting to watch. I'm surprised the US show only lasted 6 episodes and one season.


[1 Points] fapfapfap89:

Note all the ones shown are international packages.


[-6 Points] None:

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