"I must admit, I'm surprised to read that from a Marine."
Don't be. The oath I took numerous times over the span I served (1967-1993) told me I was protecting and defending the Constitution for the United States against ALL enemies, foreign and domestic. I took the time to find out what it was I was swearing to protect and defend and, guess what? The Constitution is a LIMIT on governmental authority at all levels, not just federal. One of those limits is that government cannot just willy-nilly take someone's property without either a search warrant or a judgement entered in open court. That being the case, ANY "LEO" who does what the cops in this case did are not acting under the ultimate authority of the Supreme Law of the Land, but are committing armed robbery UNDER COLOR OF LAW and are no better than any other armed robber, thus deserving of the same fate. Preferably at the hands of the intended victim.
FURTHER, when SOME cops do this sort of evil activity, they make it much harder for the GOOD cops, who are tarred with the same brush. It can also shorten their life spans when citizens finally get fed up and go off on them. (Google Vin Suprinowicz and the Ballad of Carl Drega for a good example.)
I usually don't express my opinions on these types of topics because I know a lot of men with badges....However,
on this I have to agree with you all the way....
Hear. Hear!!