Narcotics

USPS OIG Investigations

Illegal drugs in the workplace can negatively impact employee productivity and safety. They also affect employee judgment and can increase stress levels, leading to acts of violence or hostility. Use and sale of narcotics on duty by employees can contribute to other crimes such as theft, embezzlements and fraudulent workers’ compensation claims.

The mission of the Office of Inspector General in dealing with illegal drugs in the workplace consists of detection, investigation and prevention. Detection of illegal drug sales, distribution and usage in the workplace is the first step in this overall approach. Employees selling and/or distributing illegal drugs are vigorously investigated and prosecution is pursued. Postal employees who are using drugs are normally referred to the USPS Employee Assistance Program for treatment.

Prevention remains a key long-term strategy for providing a safe and drug-free work environment for postal employees. Deterring employee drug use is the desired outcome for the prevention effort.

Illinois Letter Carrier Arrested and Removed for Selling Marijuana from LLV

Working jointly with the Illinois Police Department, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) Special Agents arrested a Letter Carrier for state narcotics violations after he was observed selling marijuana from his postal vehicle while on duty. Subsequent to his arrest, a search warrant was served at the letter carrier’s residence where agents seized drug paraphernalia and several bundles of Bulk Business Mail, which had not been delivered to customers on his route. The letter carrier was issued a Letter of Removal from the Postal Service, effective February 16.