# Does Homeland Security seize suspicious mail?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-homeland-security-seize-suspicious-mail/417449>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [August 30, 2007, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-homeland-security-seize-suspicious-mail/417449 "2007-08-30T01:38:26Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\
**Post date:** [August 30, 2007, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-homeland-security-seize-suspicious-mail/417449/1 "2007-08-30T01:38:26Z")

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I read a [letter to the editor](http://www.peninsulaclarion.com/stories/082907/letters_3624.shtml) from a guy who ordered a motorcycle part that was lost in the mail. After an investigation, the cause of the loss was reported thusly:

> [@](#):
>
> It seems that Homeland Security had scanned my axle (a 3/4 X 10.5 smooth bolt with a hex head on one end and threads on the other) and determined it must be some kind of terrorist instrument of destruction and promptly pulled it from the mail.

Does Homeland Security conduct scans of mail? Or is that conducted soley by the Postal Service?

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**Author:** ![vetbridge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b5e925/32.png) [@vetbridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vetbridge)\
**Post date:** [August 30, 2007, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-homeland-security-seize-suspicious-mail/417449/2 "2007-08-30T16:26:56Z")

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I’ve tried repeatedly to post an answer, but Homeljjhuidyf9ewdcxhbvvl;UFVCHGIOE  
SUHUIHouifhalkjhgajghq9pyp98reygpklhgapiuvj.kgjhvqpuioyg

_bump_

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**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\
**Post date:** [August 30, 2007, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-homeland-security-seize-suspicious-mail/417449/3 "2007-08-30T16:32:31Z")

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I find it hard to believe that DHS would have anything to do with checking mail. It’s a manpower thing. They are mostly a coordinating agency. The USPS has the manpower, training (and the motive) to check for suspicious packages.

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**Author:** ![Edward\_The\_Head](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ce73a5/32.png) [@Edward\_The\_Head](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Edward_The_Head)\
**Post date:** [August 30, 2007, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-homeland-security-seize-suspicious-mail/417449/4 "2007-08-30T17:18:08Z")

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That’s not a very big bolt is it? I find it hard to believe that anyone would have a problem with bolts, and I’ve had plenty of things shipped USPS just this summer with no problems. I’m wondering if it was oily and that’s why they stopped it.