Opinion ID: 3134337
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Controlled Substances Act

Text: The State sought forfeiture of the property pursuant to section 505 of the Controlled Substances Act (720 ILCS 570/505 (West 1994)). We have previously examined section 505(a)(3), which provides for the forfeiture of vehicles and other conveyances “used  in any manner to facilitate” a drug violation. 720 ILCS 570/505(a)(3) (West 1994); see People ex rel. Waller v. 1989 Ford F350 Truck , 162 Ill. 2d 78 (1994); People v. One 1986 White Mazda Pickup Truck , 162 Ill. 2d 67 (1994). We determined that the term “facilitate” requires that the conveyance make the possession of the controlled substance in some way “ `easier or less difficult' ” in order to support forfeiture. One 1986 White Mazda Pickup Truck , 162 Ill. 2d at 69; People v. 1946 Buick , 127 Ill. 2d 374, 377 (1989). Jesus, however, does not contest the forfeiture of the van, instead only contesting the forfeiture of the currency. The State sought forfeiture of the currency pursuant to section 505(a)(5) of the Act (720 ILCS 570/505(a)(5) (West 1994)). Section 505(a)(5) provides for the forfeiture of: “everything of value furnished, or intended to be furnished, in exchange for a substance in violation of this Act, all proceeds traceable to such an exchange, and all moneys, negotiable instruments, and securities used, or intended to be used, to commit or in any manner to facilitate any violation of this Act.” 720 ILCS 570/505(a)(5) (West 1994). Thus, three categories of property are subject to forfeiture pursuant to section 505(a)(5): (1) anything of value which is furnished or intended to be furnished in exchange for a controlled substance; (2) all proceeds that can be traced to the exchange of a controlled substance; and (3) all moneys, negotiable instruments, and securities used or intended to be used in any manner to facilitate a controlled substances violation. The Controlled Substances Act further provides that property subject to forfeiture may be seized by any peace officer without judicial process where the seizure is reasonable and supported by probable cause. See 720 ILCS 570/505(b)(4) (West 1994). In the event of such a seizure, forfeiture proceedings are to be instituted pursuant to the Drug Asset Forfeiture Procedure Act (725 ILCS 150/1 et seq . (West 1994)). 720 ILCS 570/505(c) (West 1994).