
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 23, 2000]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 23, 2000 and December 4, 2001]
[CITE: 39USC604]

 
                        TITLE 39--POSTAL SERVICE
 
                             PART I--GENERAL
 
                 CHAPTER 6--PRIVATE CARRIAGE OF LETTERS
 
Sec. 604. Seizing and detaining letters

    An officer or employee of the Postal Service performing duties 
related to the inspection of postal matters, a customs officer, or 
United States marshal or his deputy, may seize at any time, letters and 
bags, packets, or parcels containing letters which are being carried 
contrary to law on board any vessel or on any post road. The officer or 
employee who makes the seizure shall convey the articles seized to the 
nearest post office, or, by direction of the Postal Service or the 
Secretary of the Treasury, he may detain them until 2 months after the 
final determination of all suits and proceedings which may be brought 
within 6 months after the seizure against any person for sending or 
carrying the letters.

(Pub. L. 91-375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 728.)
