Warren

Sheldon Edward Warren appeals from his conviction of possession of methamphetamine, claiming that the trial court erred in failing to suppress evidence obtained in a warrantless search.

Facts

Warren sought to send a package by means of the United Parcel Service (UPS). He took the package to a shipping and receiving business known as “Mr. Postman.” The business is operated by Charles Alvarez. A “Right of Inspection” sign, posted in the business, informs customers that “The carrier reserves the right to open and inspect any package tendered to it for inspection.” Warren told Alvarez that the package contained printed material and insured it for $100. Alvarez became suspicious because the package was an odd weight for printed material and because “people don’t insure printed matter for $100.” He opened the package and discovered it to contain a white substance. Alvarez then contacted the investigating officer of affairs for UPS. The investigating officer contacted Officer Paul Sullivan of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department. Officer Sullivan performed a “presumptive field test” on the substance at “Mr. Postman,” which indicated that the substance was methamphetamine.…