[steel_resolve]

Something smells rotten in Denmark here. Is this the state protecting citizens or another bald-faced money grab? Discuss.

[D.P.Roberts]

Bottom line: 1) It's money. 2) We want it. 3) It's ours.

[stuartcr]

Even if the guy just cashed his paycheck at the bank, and is in a hurry to get somewhere? This is wrong.

[Sax]

So what's the normal level of cocaine that's acceptable on currency?

[TexasCajun]

[SandfleaCSC]

IB4TBL

Ping

I think I've read before that 98% of paper money has cocaine traces on it.

[thoughtomator]

This is the thinnest veil yet I have seen for an outright theft from citizens by law enforcement - and an excellent example of how the WoD leads to the degradation of all law and respect for the law in this country.

[Philistone]

Another good reason for "money laundering"!

[VOA]

bump

[PeteB570]

Without other evidence I'd have to go with "Give it back".

Most times I have less than $20 on me but a few times I had over $10K. It's mine and I worked hard for it. If the law wants it, prove it in court.

[dirtboy]

Cash with far higher-than-normal trace levels of cocaine can be seized as contraband from speeding drivers, a divided state appeals court ruled today.

Pretty amazing stuff. Just the fact that money has a trace amount of cocaine on it means that some will have more and some will have less. All it would take would be to have a few bills with extra cocaine on it - or, even worse, a crooked cop sprinkling a bit of cocaine on seized cash - and the money goes to the police.

Yet another hole blasted into basic constitutional protections.

[dead]

Nobody owns their money. The government just lets us carry some around until they want it back.

[mysterio]

This needs to be appealed all the way up. These drug warrior psychos must be stopped.

[LambSlave]

This is not even rational. People USING cocaine MAY use the pills to ingest it, but the people BUYING and SELLING the cocaine in high dollar transactions as described here, even if they are users, are probably NOT using THAT PARTICULAR money to snort it. Think about it, they are probably raising or borrowing that money via organized crime and holding it briefly, so why would one even expect it to be contaminated any more than any other money? Makes no sense at all...

[jmc813]

I would hope that even you guys would be on the side of us loserdopians on this one.

[mrsmith]

A good report of the arrest circumstances: http://www.post-gazette.com/localnews/20020519cash5.asp

What an idiot (but it doesn't seem to me they have cause to keep the money).

[Graycliff]

Reminds me of a test done many years ago, involving cocaine cash and drug sniffing dogs. While the cameras running, an officer hides cash in the vehicle, another officer comes around with the dog. Dog picks up on hidden money, the other officer takes the money and holds it out for the camera. at the same time the dog goes over to the first officer, and tries to get into this pocket. That officer removes a small wad of bills, that tested positive for cocaine residue.

[longshadow]

From the article:

"Cash with far higher-than-normal trace levels of cocaine can be seized ...."

Okay; fair is fair -- I propose the first people whose money should be tested for cocaine residue should be the legislators who voted for this law.

[freepatriot32]

Libertarian ping.To be added or removed from my ping list freepmail me or post a message here

[LIConFem]

...shall not be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process...

[elkfersupper]

"Excuse me, citizen, but I clocked you at 47 mph in a 45 zone back there. May I see your driver's license, proof of insurance, registration, smoking license, hamburger license, cell phone license,soft drink license, audio equipment license, proof that your vehicle has not been modified to defeat breathalyzer, seatbelt, airbag, attention deficit disorder requirements? Oh, by the way, give me all your cash, and prepare to forfeit your vehicle."