If you’ve seen a colorful gold, black and white Camaro with Rowan County Sheriff on the side, you can thank a local gang member for the new ride.

In September 2009, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with other local authorities arrested five people in a drug trafficking bust. The agency seized three cars, including the Camaro, and other property including a four-wheeler, power equipment and a house.

The car is used by School Resource Office Scott Flowers and has been on the road for about two months, said Chief Deputy David Ramsey.

The car is used as part of the agency’s Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program. The car is predominantly black and white with gold stripes along the side. On the hood of the hood is an emblem celebrating the 20th anniversary of the G.R.E.A.T. program. Just over the front tires read the words: Seized from your local gang member.

The Sheriff‘s Office together with other agencies seized 40 pounds of marijuana, 215 grams of cocaine, Ecstacy, three cars and $8,000 in cash from the bust. The suspects were arrested during a traffic stop along Jake Alexander Boulevard.

The agency was able to get the vehicle through an asset forfeiture agreement between the Homeland Security Department. The agreement essentially means the law enforcement agency can use anything that is seized from convicted drug dealers.

The Sheriff’s Office was able to save the county $250,000.

The department is able to use the power equipment to maintain its facilities.

The Sheriff’s Office went through several drafts before deciding on a design for the car. He said Capt. Sam Towne was instrumental in creating the design.

Ramsey said the Sheriff’s Office expects a BMW in the near future from the same bust.

Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.