ATHENS, Tenn. — A tour bus has been given to the McMinn County Sheriff’s Department to use as a command post, thanks to a Mexican drug cartel whose nervous driver couldn’t keep the vehicle straight on Interstate 75.

The 1986 bus and $1.5 million in cash were confiscated in February when a 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force officer on his way home from work saw the bus swerving on I-75.

“The guy ran off the road four or five times and was very nervous when the officer stopped him,” Task Force Director Mike Hall.

A search of the bus turned up the cash in hidden compartments. No one claimed the bus or money, so the drug task force kept the cash to cover expenses in its battle against illegal drugs.

Sheriff Steve Frisbie said the bus would be a great mobile command center for his department, so it was given to the county.

“This will be great at a crime scene,” Sheriff Frisbie said. It can be a site for interview, and if deputies need to stay a long time at a scene or need to escape weather.

The bus has six bunks and a small lounge area, and with some work a rear section will be turned into a command post with radios and other equipment.

“It will also be a great asset for community functions like events that take place at the regional park,” Chief Deputy Tim Smith said.

The sheriff’s department also has refurbished a 2000 Mustang GT that was confiscated from a drunken driver and will be taken to local schools for anti-DUI education purposes.

Sheriff Frisbie said the department never could have purchased either vehicle, but because of the property seizure laws involving drugs and alcohol, the bus and car will be put to good use.

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