Galloway announces more than $7 million seized in 2017

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway released a compilation of property seizures made under Missouri’s Criminal Activity Forfeiture Act.

The report shows that law enforcement officials seized an estimated $7.05 million worth of property in 658 seizures.

The seizures increased from 2016, when officers seized approximately $6.3 million worth of property in 615 seizures.

Galloway said under the Criminal Activity Forfeiture Act, law enforcement officials can take possession of property or cash believed to be involved in or related to a crime.

Galloway also said 46% of the total seized in 2017 was transferred to federal agencies. The remainder was returned, transferred to the state, or still pending a final decision.