Drug Suspects Lose Wheels in Sweeps by Agents

Local and federal drug agents, launching a new law enforcement strategy, seized 31 vehicles belonging to 55 suspected drug dealers and purchasers in a three-day sweep this week, Police Chief Daryl F. Gates said Friday.

The seizures, all in the San Fernando Valley, marked the first time local authorities have used a federal forfeiture law to confiscate the property of drug buyers as well as dealers, Gates said. He said the operation by Los Angeles police and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration probably would be repeated in the future.

Gates warned that drug users “better have bus fare because you’re not going to be able to drive home from these transactions.”

“We know from the looks on their faces” that the drug purchasers did not expect to have their cars taken, Gates said. He added, “Next we’re going to seize your shoes and everything that goes along with it.”

Federal law allows authorities to seize real and personal property used to facilitate an illegal drug transaction, said U.S. Atty. Robert C. Bonner, who joined Gates and John Zienter, a DEA special agent, at a Parker Center press conference. In this case, DEA and LAPD agents watched illicit drug sales and then, after making an arrest or issuing a citation, drove off with the suspects’ cars.

Gates said the law is not typically employed because it requires extra paper work and cooperation between local and federal officials. Ultimately, the confiscation must be approved by a federal district judge. Gates and Bonner said the sweeps are worth the extra effort because they will have a chilling effect in the drug world.

Bonner said the law has been upheld in court several times and that conviction is not necessary for authorities to confiscate a vehicle. Gates said the cars will become government property and will be sold or employed in police work.

The confiscated vehicles, which include sedans, trucks and a van, range from a 1966 Ford Mustang to a 1987 Honda Accord. Total value was put at $101,700.

The sweeps were conducted from Tuesday to Thursday in Canoga Park, Van Nuys, Panorama City, North Hollywood and Pacoima. Gates said street drug sales had been “particularly troublesome” in those neighborhoods.

The 55 suspects were charged with selling or purchasing cocaine, marijuana and other drugs.