Deputies find a need for speed

Sheriff Donnie Harrison said the 2007 Chevy Corvette Z06 was seized from a drug dealer.

“We got it on a drug seizure. It went to court, and we requested the car and got the car. What I want to do is use this car to fight drugs, and to fight crime in Wake County,” Harrison said.

The black car boasts 505 horsepower and goes from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds, the sheriff said.

“It is just like an unmarked car. We have all types of unmarked cars, and we have other drug seizure cars, too. But this one is unique, because most people won't see it," Harrison said.

The car, which can reach speeds close to 200 mph, is already earning its keep for the department.

“The first stop (with the car brought in) five bags of drugs. Then we got another stop, and got over a pound of marijuana,” Harrison said.

The car, which is well-equipped, would cost around $81,000 new, Harrison said.

The use of the Corvette by the sheriff's departments has come with criticism, even though it is not a cost for taxpayers.

“Some people say, 'Why don't you sell it back? Auction it off and give the money to the schools. They need the money, too.' When you auction off equipment and vehicles like this, you are only going to get a portion of what it is worth,” Harrison said.

However, Harrison said the car will likely be sold at auction once the department gets its use from it. The money will then be given to public schools, he said.