Police Department Gets Share of Seized Cash
The Police Department has an additional $458,000 this week, thanks to a large haul of drug-related cash netted in the traffic stop of a minivan earlier this year.
Under federal drug asset seizures laws, the city on Tuesday was given a portion of the $611,000 recovered in February from a hidden compartment in the van.
Under the law, the money must be used to aid narcotics investigations, said Azusa Police Chief John Broderick.
“We are aiming to invest in new technology,” Broderick said. “We’re planning to enhance our computer database and bring digital photographs of suspects to officers in their units.”
When Police Officer Steve Hunt stopped the van Feb. 3 at 1st Street and Azusa Avenue, the driver provided a license but did not have proof of registration or insurance information. Instead he told Hunt the van belong to a friend.
The driver later gave his consent to search the vehicle and Hunt discovered what he believed was a concealed compartment. Other officers then brought in a specially trained dog that quickly sniffed out the hidden compartment because of drug residue there.
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