Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Department of Safety has received $830,823 in forfeiture funds seized in two successful drug stops in East Tennessee . R. Joe Clark, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Knoxville Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the presentation today. He said the operation highlights the outstanding cooperation between the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the FBI.

"These seizures demonstrate the diligence and thoroughness of each member of the Highway Patrol during the execution of their daily duties," said Tennessee Department of Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips. "I commend Troopers Jeff Appleba and Travis Raines for their careful observance during the initial inspection, as well as the other members of our department who assisted in the seizures."

On March 11, 2004, THP Troopers working at the I-81 Greene County Scale Complex near Bulls Gap, Tennessee, made a random truck stop and obtained consent to search a tractor-trailer. The search revealed approximately $482,215 in U.S. currency inside the sleeping compartment. A subsequent series of canine drug detection unit searches met with positive results.

On December 5, 2004 , a tractor-trailer pulled into the same scale complex. Troopers began a Level 3 inspection of the exterior of the trailer, revealing inconsistencies in the driver's travel route. Due to this and other discrepancies, the Troopers asked for and obtained written consent to search both the trailer and the tractor's cab. A K-9 unit alerted on a black suitcase found inside the truck, and $556,869 was subsequently seized from the vehicle.

"These seizures illustrate how valuable commercial vehicle inspections are in maintaining safety in our communities," said THP Colonel Lynn Pitts. "Commercial vehicle inspection remains a priority of the Tennessee Highway Patrol."

The Tennessee Department of Safety received two checks--one for $385,518.56 and the other for $445,305.12--denoting THP's proceeds from the two cash seizures. The operations were accomplished by THP Troopers and Special Agents of the Department of Safety's Criminal Investigative Division. Administrative forfeiture of the funds was accomplished by the FBI's Knoxville and Philadelphia Divisions.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tn.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.