LAPD Begins Seizing Cars from Drug Buyers, Drunk Drivers

The Los Angeles Police Department is trying a new approach to curbing drug dealing and drunk driving in the city based on success in a campaign to halt street racing. Under the initiative, police officers may seize vehicles from people who take part in drug deals or drive drunk, Fox News reported July 15.

"This is one more tool that the police can use to try and dissuade the people from engaging in conduct," said LAPD Cpt. Greg Myer. "And we're going to keep it up until some judge tells us we can't."

Opponents of the program argue that the seizures are a violation of civil rights. "All government officials, law-enforcement officials included, should be concerned about whether what they are doing is legal," said Scott Bullock of the Institute for Justice.