Conkey

ORDER DENYING PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION FOR RETURN OF PROPERTY

INTRODUCTION

Before the Court is Plaintiffs David and Carol Conkey’s (“Plaintiffs”) Motion for Return of Property. (Docket No. 1.) On February 26, 2002, the Drug Enforcement Agency (“DEA”) administratively forfeited Plaintiffs’ property — $400,300 in U.S. currency. By their Motion, Plaintiffs seek return of the currency. Defendant United States of America (“Government”) opposes Plaintiffs’ Motion. For the following reasons, the Court DENIES the Motion.

BACKGROUND

In connection with a criminal investigation, the DEA seized $400,300 in U.S. currency and various chemicals from Plaintiffs’ residence on October 10, 2001. Shortly thereafter, the DEA commenced separate administrative forfeiture proceedings against the seized money and miscellaneous chemicals. Plaintiffs seek return of only the currency in this matter.

The DEA initiated administrative forfeiture actions by issuing notice letters to Plaintiffs. The notice letters provided information on how Plaintiffs could request remission, request mitigation, or contest the forfeiture. As to the currency, multiple Notice of Seizure letters dated November 26, 2001 were mailed…