Mr. Cuomo has said any deal wouldn't restore the lost funds but would prevent future forfeitures.

WSJ: Deadline on Evaluations

Mr. Cuomo said that a deal now would not restore the lost funds, but would prevent future forfeitures.

WSJ: Cuomo: State Might Impose Evaluations

Such "dog sniffs" are a common but controversial feature in forfeitures.

WSJ: Federal Asset Seizures and Forfeitures Rise; 'Equitable Sharing' Grows

It is clear from the legislative history of CAFRA that Congress intended to limit civil forfeitures to alleged structuring connected with an underlying offense of drug trafficking or money laundering.

FORBES: Nothing Civil About Asset Forfeiture