$3.3 million in suspect cash is seized

St. Louis Post-Dispatch ^ | March 16, 2005 | Paul Hampel

[Graybeard58]

A Pontoon Beach police officer acting on a hunch searched a tractor-trailer at a truck stop and discovered almost $3.3 million in suspected drug money, one of the largest cash seizures in the area's history.

The money, confiscated Friday, was mostly in $20 bills and took a team of 10 officers almost 12 hours to count, said Pontoon Beach Police Chief Charles Luehmann.

snip

"We catch people with anywhere from $5,000 or $6,000 all the way up to a half million usually," said St. Louis police spokesman Sgt. Sam Dotson. Almost "$3.3 million, I'd say that's a huge find for Pontoon Beach."

snip

If the driver can't provide proof he obtained the money legally, federal law requires that it be divided between Pontoon Beach police and federal agencies.

[Graybeard58]

This is a very bad law.

[af_vet_1981]

This is a very bad law.

Did you lose some money ?

[hoosiermama]

Is this near you? Do you think we should try claiming it?

[Graybeard58]

Did you lose some money ?

No.

[joshhiggins]

How do you prove that the cash you have in your wallet was "earned legally"?
I may be able to prove that I have earned money legally, but I can't prove the cash in my pocket is that cash.

[af_vet_1981]

How do you prove that the cash you have in your wallet was "earned legally"? I may be able to prove that I have earned money legally, but I can't prove the cash in my pocket is that cash.

How do you prove that you just posted that comment ?

[Psycho_Bunny]

If these forfeiture laws aren't the very definition of tyranny, I don't know what is.

[hoosiermama]

Mostly $20s ? WOnder if it's funny money.....Suppose it'll lead them to the local printing press? Yes, officer...I made that money!

[af_vet_1981]

I'm simply amazed at how many drug dealers are conservatives.

Or is it vice versa ?

[FierceDraka]

Forget due process - this rabidly unconstitutional "law" seems more like a letter of marque and reprisal, turning the police from peace officers to de facto privateers.

(For those unfamiliar with the concept, a privateer is nothing but a pirate with the backing of a government.)

[Graybeard58]

Mostly $20s ? WOnder if it's funny money.

If you mean counterfeit, no. They never would have released the driver.

[Flyer]

Very bad.

[Graybeard58]

I'm simply amazed at how many drug dealers are conservatives.

I am not a drug dealer nor a user but I am conservative.

I don't carry large amounts of cash either. They are talking about seizing amounts as low as $5,000 or $6,000. You are presumed guilty and must prove your innocence. f you accept that as being ok then I am calling your conservatism into question.

[phoenix0468]

"If these forfeiture laws aren't the very definition of tyranny, I don't know what is."

Please elaborate. I think the forfeiture of drug money to be used by agencies is a good thing. It lowers our tax burden and takes the money out of the hands of murderers and thieves. This part of the WOD I have no problem with.

[Loud Mime]

The only time I'm with the ACLU is on these forfeiture laws. But with that gang of leftists, it's at the bottom of their priorities.....after REALLY burning crosses.

[wizr]

"I want to make it clear that the money is no longer here, in case anyone gets
any ideas," Luehmann said.

Uhhh...are they afraid they couldn't protect the stash?

[international american]

What makes you think once you prove it is legit you get it back?? There are hundreds of horror stories that have been documented which prove you don't always get it all back. Readers Digest had a long article on this subject. This is a nightmare.

[Graybeard58]

Did you read the part where they seize as little as $5,000? I have that much money and if I decide to carry MY money I shouldn't have to prove my innocence.

[MindBender26]

We are in Florida, where these seizures are common.

The mid level people from whom the drug money is taken always want a receipt, so they won't be killed for losing the money.

In addition, in order to get it back, all they have to do is show some semblance of documentation that the money was theirs. No one ever claims it.

BTW, most seizures are not random. They come from tips from competing drug dealers.