DEA Cited for Living High on Seized Items

WASHINGTON —  The General Accounting Office said Monday that some Drug Enforcement Administration officials had become overly zealous in furnishing their offices with items seized from drug dealers.

Congress’ investigative arm said its findings have caused the DEA to end the practice, but not before some officials had the use of quality furniture, art work and high-tech audio and video equipment.

The GAO focused its attention on the DEA’s Dallas office. The agent in charge earlier this year furnished his office with a $1,200 26-inch television, a $1,500 video cassette recorder, a $750 stereo amplifier, a $500 stereo tuner, a $750 compact disc player, a pair of $500 speakers and a $275 graphic equalizer, the GAO said.

And that was only the audio-visual equipment.

Rockwell Figurines

There were also two walnut china cabinets valued at $1,400, Norman Rockwell and Emmett Kelly figurines, clocks, brass table lamps, end tables and paintings.

Total value, according to the GAO: $14,423.

The Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 gave federal law enforcement agencies increased authority to seize and obtain forfeiture of assets used in crimes or acquired with proceeds from the crimes.

As of last October, the DEA was managing more than $370 million in seized and forfeited property, including cash, personal property and real property.

Federal agencies have several options for disposing of the property, but it may be converted to government use if it has “operational value.”