Morehouse Parish Discusses Low Drug Asset Forfeiture with Police and City Officials

The City of Bastrop held a special meeting on July 24, 2025, focusing on the issue of drug asset forfeiture and its implications for local law enforcement. A significant point of discussion was the lack of drug seizures reported by the Bastrop Police Department over the past five years, raising questions about the effectiveness of current practices and the potential for improvement.

During the meeting, officials noted that the historical data on drug asset forfeiture in Morehouse Parish has been notably low, with figures consistently under $10,000 annually since 2011. This trend has prompted concerns about whether the police department is missing opportunities for asset recovery related to drug-related offenses. The city attorney clarified that the lack of seizures could be attributed to the low value of assets typically involved, as many seized items, such as vehicles, often fall below the threshold that makes them worth pursuing through legal channels.

The discussion also highlighted the difference between drug asset forfeiture and bond forfeiture, the latter being more common in the area. Bond forfeiture occurs when individuals fail to appear in court, resulting in the loss of their bail money. This process has been a more reliable source of revenue for the city compared to drug-related seizures.

To address the ongoing challenges, the mayor and police department expressed a commitment to enhancing training for officers on identifying and pursuing asset forfeiture opportunities. This initiative aims to improve the department's effectiveness in combating narcotics activity and recovering assets linked to such crimes.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the need for a strategic approach to asset forfeiture in Bastrop, with officials recognizing the importance of training and resource allocation to better tackle drug-related issues in the community. The city plans to explore further training and collaboration with law enforcement agencies to enhance their capabilities in this area.