CUSTOMS SEEKS OK TO SEARCH MAIL

Washington -- With drug traffickers becoming more savvy in the use of the
post office to smuggle drugs, the U.S. Customs Service is asking Congress
for permission to search mail leaving the united States.

The proposal, included in a crime bill in the House, has hit opposition from
the U.S. Postal Service, which believes such mail is protected by the Fourth
Amendment's provisions against unlawful searches and seizures.

Lawmakers heard from both sides Friday at a hearing of a House government
reform subcommittee.