Chevrolet Corvette seized in drug bust joins Florida Police fleet

Police in Florida’s Panama City Beach have added a recently-seized 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray to its fleet. 

First reported on by Carscoops, the Corvette was seized after a 25-year-old was arrested while attempting to flee from officers in April 2023. 

The driver was reportedly found to be carrying illegal narcotics and firearms, leading police to impound the vehicle under Florida’s Contraband Forfeiture Act — which allows officers to seize property related to criminal and non-criminal law violations. 

After acquiring the Corvette, it was sent to Lightning Graphics Inc to have a blue and white livery applied, in the style of Panama City Beach’s other patrol cars.

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Though it wears the same shade of blue as the other Ford Explorers and Dodge Chargers in the fleet, it is adorned with the lettering ‘Seized for Service’ and features an image of the city’s pier on the rear quarter. 

Just as a Corvette Z06 is used by Canadian police for publicity appearances, Panama City Beach’s Corvette won’t see any crime-fighting duties and instead will be used for community events. 

“This vehicle will now be featured in our ‘Cops and Kids’ program, serving as a dynamic tool for public relations and community outreach,” the Panama City Beach Police Department confirmed in a statement.

“It stands as a powerful reminder of the consequences of illegal narcotics possession and transportation, reinforcing the message of law adherence and community responsibility.”