Drugs, Firearms, Currency, and Other Property Seized by Law Enforcement Agencies

Too Much Held Too Long Gao ID: GGD-76-105 May 31, 1977

The disposition of property seized by Federal law enforcement officers in carrying out their work was questioned.

Drugs are often held for several years as possible court evidence. This, along with the manner in which drugs are stored and accounted for, greatly increases the chances for loss. Currency also held as evidence would earn interest savings if it were returned to owners or the U.S. Treasury instead of being stored in vaults. Vehicles forfeited to the Government are either used by the seizing agency or sold, but slow forfeiture processes resulted in depreciation and vandalism of vehicles. Sales methods varied, resulting in duplication of effort and use of employees for duties other than those for which they were hired. Seized firearms and explosives present difficulties in disposal.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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