CHEVYS TO GOLD TEETH SNARED IN SEIZURES

The car of choice among drug offenders isn't a Beemer, a Lexus or a fully
loaded sport utility vehicle.

It's the modest Chevrolet Caprice. At least that's what a computer analysis
of records of vehicles seized in Knox County over the past four years under
state narcotics laws indicates. The records include seizure warrants and
state forfeiture case information.

The review showed law enforcement agencies seized 32 Caprices. The Nissan
Maxima came in a distant second with 14. In contrast, authorities seized
seven BMWs, six Mercedes, five Lexuses and one Hummer.

"They've learned to leave their good cars at home," said Bill Roehl, a
deputy chief with the Knoxville Police Department.

Law enforcement agencies can confiscate vehicles under drunken driving laws
as well. The analysis of vehicles seized under both types of laws showed
Chevrolets and Fords were seized more often than any other brand. The
oldest vehicle seized was a 1963 Chevy pickup truck.

State narcotics laws also allow authorities to seize money and other property.

"We seize anything traceable to drug proceeds," said Tennessee Department
of Safety Attorney Joe Bartlett. "Money laundering gets your property seized."

The single biggest monetary seizure was $80,437 by the Knox County
Sheriff's Office in 2002, according to the analysis. The agency had to
return $7,500, but was able to keep the rest.

The review showed a Knoxville music store and its inventory, a house and a
boat have been taken. Cell phones, pagers, jewelry and electronics were
routinely confiscated. One man lost a bottle of testosterone and another
surrendered six gold teeth.

The long arm of the forfeiture laws sometimes even reaches beyond the
grave. In 2002, the Police Department responded to a report of gunshots.
When they got to the scene they found a dead man, along with cocaine,
marijuana and $13,180.

KPD got to keep the cash.

Laura Ayo may be reached at 865-342-6341. Scott Barker may be reached at
865-342-6309.