Combating tracking devices in packages

Now I personally have no experience with such things and have yet to find any useful information on here or the rest of the internet about the said tracking devices used by the DEA and other such organizations. So, my questions are; What are these devices? A cell phone? or something more specific? What do they look like? and how can we fend off these devices?

Typically if you're an individual who receives a package with a tracking device in it you're most likely caught when the package is opened as the device lets LE know that the package containing the device has been opened. So, would using some sort of high powered electromagnet to wipe the device be of any use? This (while most likely not a viable option) is just something I have considered and am interested in anyone who may have information or suggestions that may help everyone out in the long run.

Sorry for so many questions, but there seems to be very little information about this, and it would be nice to know.


Comments


[2 Points] None:

I totally believe they would be used for 'importer' size quantities, but for even reseller sized DNM purchases I doubt they would be very necessary, unless like, the cops suspected you were going to pick up your mailbox with a drone and carry it to a secondary location. or something like that. rule of thumb for a CD is that if the package enters your house , the police will enter your house shortly afterwards. whether or not you are convicted of a crime depends on what they find inside your house. don't quote me on it, but I don't even think whether or not you open the package would play much of a role. logically, if your name and address are on a package you receive, whether or not its full of soiled underwear, anthrax, crystal meth or combination(s) of those items, it's safe to assume it wasn't a misdelivery and that you are in fact the intended recipient. but if you open the package, and proceed whip out your meth pipe and spin a bowl of anthrax, you just may have ordered it yourself.


[1 Points] TheLeagueOfLulu:

I've never heard of this happening. Why track the package? Its got your name and address on it, and iirc opening the package doesn't admit to ownership.

Edit: Thanks for the elaboration everyone! Makes a lot of sense!


[1 Points] ShulginsCat:

From what I remember they put a light sensitive device in the package. This will turn on the signal as soon as you open the box as it gets exposed to daylight or ambient light. Then either via radio or cell they will signal to LE that the package is opened. Sometimes they add to this a location tracker to figure out where it was opened in case they suspect it will be movee to a traphouse etc. In particular this means that you can't wait it out because the device won't run out of battery until it's turned out. A metal detector might be able to detect the battery but it could be too small for that.

You can block electromagnetic signals by opening the package inside a sealed metallic structure, for example a refrigerated truck. A cellphone jammer device can also help if the device uses cell technology to communicate. I would also be worried about police following you around to where you open the package. If they stop you on a bogus traffic violation with the package inside the car, you're still fucked.

That's all I can think of based on common knowledge. Hope this helps.


[0 Points] ShulginsCat:

One more thought: You might be able to disable the device using an EMP . Although this is cool as fuck, you really have to know what you're doing to make this technique work. Good luck!