News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2005

Seized Drug Money to be Used to Fight Crime

Today, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge (SAC) John S. Fernandes and U.S. Marshal David Bejarano present $631,234.96 to San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne, $494,009.97 to San Diego Sheriff Bill Kolender, $109,780.00 to San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, $109,780.00 to California State DOJ Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement (BNE) Senior Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Michael L. Coleman, and a total of $389,585.56 to 11 other participating agencies in the DEA San Diego County Integrated Narcotic Task Force (NTF).

The asset sharing is the result of a single seizure of $2,332,315.00 in cash. The drug money was discovered following an “alert” by NTF K-9 Officer “Luke” on a vehicle that was loaded on a Commercial Carrier at a truck stop on Interstate 8 near Campo, California. The Commercial Carrier was transported to the DEA San Diego Field Division where the cash was discovered concealed in hidden compartments in two vehicles on the carrier.

The shared monies can be used for any law enforcement function or activity by the receiving agency.

*PHOTOS OF SEIZURE AVAILABLE*

Point of Contact

Special Agent Misha Piastro, PIO
DEA San Diego Field Division
(858) 616-4166