To the editor:

The paradox; thus the quandary. Forfeiture of property in drug-related criminal operations sounds eminently fair in cases like the Bella Vista drug bust. The Benton County Sheriff’s Department, investigating a Bella Vista residence after Bank of Bentonville officials’ reports of large cash deposits and bills smelling of ether, found what they call the most sophisticated marijuana growing operation they’ve ever seen. They also found and confiscated a boat, motorcycles, ATVs, guns and other of the trappings of illicit wealth.

[continues 206 words]