Mr OL works for the USPS. They do not confiscate mail and it is against the law to open anyone's mail. This is what most likely happened: the envelope probably got caught in the automated sorting machine and ripped the end off the envelope and then at some point the teabag fell out. Most likely it dropped on the floor somewhere and someone walking by picked it up and threw it away. Now if it got caught and the teabag ripped open and scattered about the machine and they couldn't identify the substance then a postal inspector would be called in, the original sender would be called and then they would go from there. Since Mermaid didn't get a call I guess she's safe.
Next time Mermy, just use one of those padded envelopes so it doesn't go through the automatic sorter or stamp canceling machine and I'm sure it'll arrive safely. Some things do go through but it's a chance you take. And yes, Mr OL says people mail anything! Baby chicks, crickets, fish, you name it..
OL- it wasn't ripped. One end was a clean cut- a razor clean, straight cut. It was intentionally opened by someone!
