Getting a package with illegal drugs in the mail can lead to serious legal trouble—even if you didn’t know what was inside. Both federal and Texas state laws treat this as a major offense. In some cases, just receiving the package is enough to be arrested and charged with a felony. If the drugs were sent through the United States Postal Service (USPS), the case could also involve federal authorities like the DEA.
Here’s what you need to know if you or someone you know is dealing with this type of situation in Texas.
Does USPS Check Packages for Drugs?
Yes, USPS and other delivery services screen packages for illegal substances. They use different tools like X-rays, tracking technology, and drug-sniffing dogs. If something looks suspicious, they may get a search warrant to open and inspect the package.
Postal inspectors often work with law enforcement agencies to watch the delivery and arrest the person who accepts the package. This is called a “controlled delivery,” and it can happen without warning.
What Happens If USPS Finds Drugs?
If drugs are found, USPS may alert law enforcement right away. Officers might set up surveillance and wait until the package is delivered. Once it’s accepted, they can use that as evidence to make an arrest.
Even if the person didn’t order the drugs or didn’t know what was in the package, they could still face serious charges. It all depends on the evidence, including whether fingerprints, tracking numbers, or past communication link the person to the shipment.
Texas Penalties for Receiving Drugs in the Mail
Texas uses “Penalty Groups” to sort drugs by type and danger. Each group has its own set of punishments, which depend on the amount involved.
Penalty Group 1 (Heroin, Cocaine, Meth)
- Under 1 gram: Up to 2 years in jail, $10,000 fine
- 1–4 grams: 2–10 years in prison, $10,000 fine
- 4–200 grams: 2–20 years in prison
- Over 400 grams: 10–99 years or life, up to $100,000 fine
Penalty Group 1-A (LSD)
This group is based on units, not weight.
- Under 20 units: Up to 2 years in jail, $10,000 fine
- 20–80 units: 2–10 years
- 80–4,000 units: 5–99 years
- Over 8,000 units: Up to life in prison, $250,000 fine
Penalty Group 2 (Ecstasy, PCP)
- Under 1 gram: 180 days to 2 years in jail
- 1–4 grams: 2–10 years
- 4–400 grams: 2–20 years
- Over 400 grams: 5–99 years, $50,000 fine
Penalty Group 2-A (Synthetic Marijuana)
- Under 2 ounces: Class B misdemeanor
- 4 ounces–5 pounds: 180 days to 2 years in jail
- Over 2,000 pounds: 5–99 years, $50,000 fine
Penalty Group 3 (Xanax, Ritalin, Valium)
- Under 28 grams: Up to 1 year in jail
- 28–200 grams: 2–10 years in prison
- Over 400 grams: 10–99 years, $50,000 fine
Penalty Group 4 (Codeine, Morphine Mixtures)
- Same penalty ranges as Group 3
Can You Be Charged Even If You Didn’t Know?
Yes. In Texas, just receiving a package with drugs may be enough to start an investigation. Prosecutors will look for proof of intent or knowledge, but lack of knowledge doesn’t always prevent charges. In some cases, people are arrested simply for signing for a package.
If this happens, it’s important not to talk to police without legal help. Anything said can be used in court.
State vs. Federal Charges
You could face both state and federal charges for receiving drugs by mail. If the package was sent through USPS, federal agencies like the DEA or FBI might get involved. This could mean longer sentences and federal prison time.
Federal drug laws also carry strict penalties, especially for drug trafficking. If the government believes you were part of a larger operation, the charges can become much more serious.
What Else Could Happen?
A drug conviction can have long-term effects beyond jail or prison time:
- Loss of a professional license
- Trouble finding housing or a job
- Denial of financial aid or college admission
- Immigration issues for non-citizens
- Problems in child custody cases
- Losing the right to vote or own a gun
Even a minor drug charge can follow you for years.
What To Do If You Receive Drugs in the Mail
If a package shows up and you suspect something illegal is inside, don’t open it. Don’t throw it away or try to send it back. These actions can make things worse or look like you were involved.
Instead:
- Leave the package unopened
- Don’t talk to police without a lawyer
- Keep any tracking info or delivery records
- Contact a criminal defense lawyer right away
Acting quickly can help protect your rights and give you the best chance at building a strong defense.
Get Help Today
Receiving drugs in the mail—whether you knew it or not—can bring life-changing consequences in Texas. The law doesn’t always wait for proof of guilt before making an arrest. If you’re going through this, don’t wait to get help. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can guide you through what happens next, defend your rights, and fight for your freedom.
Call (214) 432-8860 to schedule a consultation with Gallian Firm.