DRUG-SEARCH SCAM ON I-80

On Aug. 28, I was traveling east on I-80 approximately four miles east of
Altoona. I saw two flashing signs, one on each side of the two eastbound
lanes, notifying me and other motorists of a "Drug Stop 4 Miles Ahead."
Within a quarter-mile I saw two more signs warning eastbound travelers of
"Drug Enforcement Ahead: Be Prepared to Stop."

There was no "drug enforcement" stop ahead, but it is likely that
law-enforcement officials were eagerly awaiting at the next exit to check
vehicles getting off the interstate. In scams such as this,
law-enforcement officials assume those exiting vehicles contain drugs, and
most likely those exiting vehicles become targets of the scheme. As a
result, people are pulled over, and then, using the excuse of some minor
traffic offense (flickering taillight, broken license-plate light, cracked
windshield, etc.) issue the driver a citation so that a "search incident to
citation" may be conducted.

I feel guilty for not getting off at the approaching rest area or the
Mitchellville exit. I had no drugs in my vehicle, but I do feel as though
I could have spent some time having law-enforcement officials search my
vehicle for nonexistent drugs while I continuously cited the "probable
cause" requirement of the Fourth Amendment. Perhaps my sacrificial deed
would have allowed other law-abiding citizens who are simply heading home,
visiting a friend, or seeking a gas station to drive on through the phony
drug bust without being unnecessarily detained.

- - Marty Ryan, legislative coordinator/ assistant director, Iowa Civil
Liberties Union, 446 Insurance Exchange Bldg.,

Checked-by: Pat Dolan