The federal government has the right to seize property connected to drug-related crimes
Warrantless searches and seizures of drug-related property are lawful under the following circumstances:
- If the seizure of property is made subsequent to a lawful arrest
- Where law enforcement has probable cause to believe the property poses a threat to public health or safety
- Where probable cause allows law enforcement to conclude the property is intended to be used in a drug-related crime
Types of property that can be seized under federal law:
- Any property or equipment used to make and process drugs
- Any property used to deliver or receive drugs, such as vehicles, boats, and planes
- Any money or weapons used or intended for use in a drug-related crime
- Anything of value that is exchanged for drugs, including real property
