The federal government is auctioning off 21 sports cars that were seized by a drug smuggler in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Kong Meng Vang admitted shipping 1,500 pounds of marijuana from California to Oklahoma as part of a plea deal, according to the Tulsa World.
The hydroponically-grown pot seized from Vang, known as Steve, had a street value of $5 million.
Vang also pleaded guilty to charges of drug conspiracy and money laundering and as part of the deal agreed to forfeit the vehicles, eight firearms, and seven residential properties. The money from sales of the property and items would go toward a $1 million criminal forfeiture debt that Vang incurred as part of the deal.
“Vang profited by fueling the addiction of others. He sold, literally, tons of marijuana in northeastern Oklahoma. With his illegal drug profits, he purchased modified race cars, some of which looked like they were straight off the set of The Fast and The Furious. But here’s the deal: Drug dealers don’t get to keep the luxury items they purchased with illicit drug proceeds,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores in a statement.
“I hope these cars can be auctioned and the money can aid state and local law enforcement.”
The auction is being held online on the website Apple Auctioneering and will run until April 1.
Among the vehicles up for sale are a 2009 Nissan GT-R, currently listed at $39,225, and a 1993 Toyota Supra Pro-Street/Strip, currently listed at $18,075.
A 1991 Acura NSX up for auction by the U.S. Marshal’s Service after being seized by an admitted drug dealer. As of March 19, 2019, the highest bid was $27,100. (Apple Auctioneering)Some of the cars, though, are illegal to drive on the street. The Supra is for “off road/track use only” and is “never to be titled, registered, or operated on U.S. roadways,” the government stated.
A 2000 Toyota Chaser Tourer V, a 2000 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4, and a 1999 Nissan Skyline GTR R34 are among the other vehicles also listed as only for off-road or track use.
While the auction is online, interested buyers can also see the cars in person at Race Communications in Midwest City on March 29.
