Civil asset forfeiture in the US is literally highway robbery, with the police acting as armed thugs instead of having any remote interest in protecting people. Considering that local departments frequently get to keep portions of what they seize, the system creates an active incentive for police to steal more money on even flimsier evidence. It's a disgrace, and I can't even fathom how the current system (whereby owners have to prove the money was legit) doesn't violate the 4th amendment.

If you want to be outraged, just check out Radley Balko's "asset forfeiture" tab.