Yes, I agree, as long as the meds are not controlled substances, customs should not have seized them and you have a right to petition for their return. Especially if it was a 3 month or less supply. However, despite much confusion on this, the law clearly states that only licensed importers (i.e. drug distributors and manufacturers) are allowed to import controlled substances (from any schedule) via mail. All other importation attempts via mail are illegal and "subject to seizure."

That said, in practice, like driving 60 MPH in a 55 MPH zone, the priority of seizing drugs like a small quantity of Valium is low and more often then not, especially if the IOP knows what they are doing when they ship, the meds will make it through customs. There are also "hot" drugs that are more likely to get seized, such as steroids.

But, you're always taking a risk ordering controlled substances from an IOP. Therefore if you get a custom's seizure notice for a controlled substance, contact the supplier and get a refund or, if you dare, attempt a reshipment. Most reputable companies will give you the option of either.

In theory, once you have received a seizure notice you have been "flagged" and should probably avoid tempting fate further. At the very least give it a bit of time before trying again. Unless your ordering large quantities frequently, its quite rare indeed but who wants the next escalation step: the DEA knocking on your door?

The safest policy is to only order unscheduled meds from an IOP. Use domestic OP's for controlled substances, although of course there are legal implications here as well. Hence the term, "controlled substance." But at least you won't be dealing with customs seizures.

The DEA's web site provides a fairly comprehensive list of controlled substances and their corresponding schedule should you be curious. The lower the schedule, the higher potential for abuse (at least as far as the DEA is concerned), the more difficult the med is to obtain, and the more likely it will be seized by customs.

http://www.dea.gov/pubs/scheduling.html