finishing the control part + cleaning images

thepostalsystemexplained/index.md

@@ -266,6 +266,43 @@ Shipping controlled substances can also lead to [monitored](https://darknetbible
 
 ## **How controls are performed?**
 
+Here’s an interesting topic: How are controls performed by postal services? There are many different types of controls that can lead to a package being intercepted.
 
+The first type of control, and the most common one, is the visual inspection conducted by postal agents. In this process, agents are trained to identify suspicious packages. [Here](https://www.wikihow.life/Recognize-a-Suspicious-Package) is an article explaining how to identify a suspicious package for example.
 
+Here is what they are looking at: 
+
+- Unusual Package Shapes: Packages that are unusually shaped or seem to have items stuffed inside in a way that doesn’t match the stated contents.
+
+- Inconsistent or Cheap Packaging: Packaging that looks poorly sealed or overly taped, which could indicate tampering.
+
+- Labels or Documentation: Mistakes or inconsistencies in the labels, addresses, or sender information might raise suspicion.
+
+![](suspicious.png)
+
+Authorities may have watchlists of suspicious addresses or individuals involved in the shipment of illegal items. If a package comes from or goes to a flagged location, it may trigger extra scrutiny.
+
+This type of control is primarily used to identify packages containing explosives. When it comes to detecting illegal substances, trained dogs are employed. These dogs are specially trained to detect drugs, even if they are well-packaged. The following [article](https://www.3dk9detection.com/news/canine-detective-what-drugs-do-k9s-detect) give a lot of information about this dogs. Basically, once the dog identifies a package containing drugs, it will alert the handler. Then, an agent will open the package to verify its contents.
+
+Another effective method used for controls is X-ray scanning. Thanks to X-rays, agents can inspect the contents of a package without opening it. If they identify anything suspicious, they will then open the package to verify its contents. Agents look for anomalies in the X-ray image, such as unusual shapes, materials, or densities that might indicate illegal items like drugs, weapons, or contraband.
+
+Chemical detectors are another essential tool used by postal systems to identify illegal substances in packages. These devices are designed to detect specific chemicals commonly associated with narcotics, explosives, or other illicit materials. When a package is exposed to these sensors—often through contact with its surface—the detectors are capable of identifying even trace amounts of drugs or harmful chemicals, alerting authorities to potential threats or illegal shipments.
+
+![](chemical.png)
+
+Electronic scanners and trace detection systems are also commonly used to identify illegal substances in packages. These devices can detect trace particles left behind by narcotics, explosives, or other contraband, even if the substance is well concealed. They work by analyzing the air or surfaces of the package for specific chemical residues associated with illegal materials.
+
+Another common method of identifying suspicious packages is through weight and size measurements. Postal systems often use automated systems to check whether the package's dimensions and weight are consistent with the declared contents. If a package seems unusually heavy for its size or appears improperly packed, it may be flagged for further inspection. For instance, a small, dense package could raise suspicions, prompting agents to examine it more closely.
+
+Specialized machines scan packages for radiation, which could indicate nuclear or radiological materials.
+
+If the authorities have strong suspicions about a specific package, they may analyze fingerprints or DNA traces on the package to track down the source.
+
+These techniques, often used in combination, allow postal systems to intercept and stop the movement of illegal goods through the mail. Depending on the country, the level of security and resources dedicated to mail screening can vary, but most systems rely on a mix of technology, trained personnel, and intelligence gathering to ensure that illegal substances are intercepted before they reach their destination.
+
+[Here](https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/USPIS-FAQs.pdf) is an interesting document that briefly explains how much power US postal agent can have. 
+
+![](faq.png)
+
+It’s crucial to understand that postal agents are not concerned with protecting your privacy in the same way you might be. They are authorized to open and inspect mail and packages whenever there is any suspicion of illegal activity. Once a package raises concern—whether due to its appearance, size, weight, or contents—they have the full authority to open it. In many cases, there’s nothing stopping them from conducting such inspections, making privacy a secondary concern in the process.