LA MARQUE — The latest addition to the La Marque police car fleet is a flashy Lexus sport utility vehicle, complete with plush leather seating, wood paneling and a sunroof.

Capt. Donnie Head of La Marque police said taxpayers aren’t funding the luxury SUV, which is evident from a rear-window sign that reads, “Seized from a drug dealer.”

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The Lexus SUV has plush leather seating, wood paneling and a sunroof.

“It was seized from a Seabrook drug dealer,” Head said. “It will be used for public relations, and we’ll probably take it to schools and parades.”

The Lexus hardly has a scratch, and police had it detailed, complete with lettering and a pair of Texas license plates that read, “Say No,” as in say no to drugs.

The Lexus was assigned to Lt. Kirk Jackson, who said it is by far the most comfortable police car he’s driven.

Jackson said he was surprised to learn the “Say No” tags were available.

Police probably won’t install a light bar on top, which would block the sunroof.

Jackson said the Lexus isn’t used for patrols, but is more of a support services vehicle, used to haul supplies.

Sgt. Shawn Spruill arrested the former owner on Interstate 45, Jackson said. Spruill searched the Lexus and found 7 grams of crack cocaine inside, Jackson said.

“He also found a pocket digital scale with trace amounts of cocaine on it and $1,200 in cash,” Jackson said.

The Lexus is valued at $11,775 and didn’t have a lien, Jackson said, which is why Spruill started seizure proceedings.

“It was paid off, had a clear title and was used in the commission of a felony, so it was eligible to be seized,” Jackson said.

A Galveston County court awarded police the car March 7. Police had to repair one dent and equip it with department lettering. It hit the street about two weeks ago, Jackson said.

“I can’t drive down the road without someone taking a picture of it with their cell phone,” Jackson said.

Head said La Marque police seize on average $500 a month in cash from drug suspects but usually don’t take many cars, mainly because the vehicles have liens or are “pieces of junk.”

“I’m holding out for a Corvette,” Head said.