Published: October 04, 2008 03:25 am      

Hummer seized in drug bust will be on display at parade

One of the many attractions in today’s Harvest Homecoming Parade will be the Floyd County Sheriff Department’s new Hummer.

The vehicle was seized as part of a drug bust made about eight months ago, Sheriff Darrell Mills said. In that bust, officers also took about $16,000 in cash that they will use to pay for equipment that will help fight against drug use.

“We’re trying to send the message that if you get caught selling drugs in Floyd County, we’re going to take your vehicle, we’re going to take your house, and we’re going to use it to fight drugs,” Mills said.

They originally wanted to have the Hummer painted like a police car but decided it was not worth the money. Instead, they placed sheriff decals on the side.

“This comes at the best price to taxpayers - it’s free,” Mills said.

Mills plans to use the Hummer to drive in inclement weather to go to rural areas where regular police cruisers might not make it and also in funeral escorts. Because of gas prices, they will not use it on a regular basis.

Mills said his department has seized other vehicles, but this is their most “eye-catching” one to date. They have other vehicles that are waiting while the paperwork goes through.

Under federal law, if there is no lien on the seized property, the police department can keep it for two years and then sell it. The department keeps whatever money is made on the sale.