Legislation introduced in the Senate recently seeks to allow law enforcement to confiscate the money of individuals traveling with more than $10,000 cash.
“This legislation predetermines that anyone possessing large amounts of cash must be a criminal,” charged NORML Executive Director Keith Stroup, Esq. “It places a presumption of guilt on the defendant and forces owners to go to court and prove their innocence if they wish to reclaim their money. Essentially, this bill seeks to give the government a license to steal under the guise of fighting the war on drugs.”
The Drug Currency Forfeitures Act, sponsored by Sens. Max Cleland (D-Ga) and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), states that police may seize cash from individuals traveling through defined “drug transit areas.” The bill broadly defines such areas to mean any port-of-entry, airport, or highway.
“The idea that any American should have to explain to the police where their money came from is offensive, and the idea that the police can pocket your money if they don’t like your answers is downright criminal,” said Libertarian Party National Director Steve Dasbach.
The bill currently awaits action by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
For more information, please contact either NORML Foundation Litigation Director Tanya Kangas, Esq. @ (202) 483-8751 or George Getz of The Libertarian Party @ (202) 333-0008 Ext. 222.