Postal authorities' detention of the package, including five hours between a canine drug sniff and the execution of a warrant, was reasonable. A warrantless search did not occur when narcotics detection dog tore open package addressed to defendant. This occurred during a sniff test on the package as it was delivered to the airline for shipment. An American Airlines employee notified officers about a suspicious package shipped on the airline. DEA Agent had reasonable suspicion that the package contained drugs, thus his detention of the package for one hour while awaiting a canine sniff was valid.
Nothing is required to have a canine sniff luggage in custody of common carrier.
Reasonable suspicion supported further delay of package for dog sniff test when inspector learned that sender's address was fictitious. Dog sniff test was completed within five hours after postmaster notified inspector, despite fact that dog was located at a distance from the post office. Reasonable suspicion existed to delay U.S. Express Mail package until drug detection canine could provide probable cause for search warrant. It had been mailed from zip code different from one listed in return address. Postal inspector did not detain package for unreasonably long period of time before obtaining a search warrant, detention was less than 48 hours and lasted only as long as necessary to subject package to canine sniff.