Drug arrest nets police new vehicle

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, July 25, 2012

An appropriation made by the Florala City Council Monday proved crime only pays if you’re the law enforcement agency seizing a nearly new Dodge Charger.

In 2011, Florala police officers made a traffic stop involving an illegal alien, Hugo Ortiz. Inside the car, officers found cocaine, said Florala Police Chief Sonny Bedsole.

“Ultimately, it was filed by the district attorney’s office to have the car forfeited for law enforcement use and it was awarded to the Florala Police Department,” Bedsole said. “Which was great for our department, since most of our patrol cars have more than 100,000 miles on them, and this new car will make a great addition to our patrol fleet.”

Council members voted to spend $1,247 to cover the costs of the forfeiture paperwork.

In other business, the council designated election officials for the Aug. 28 municipal election and approved the submitted accounts payable and receivables before adjourning.