BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- After recovering more than a quarter of a million dollars from convicted drug dealers, the Broome County district attorney says that money will now be used to help prevent drug addictions.

The more than $280,000 will be distributed to police agencies and the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.

Prosecutors begin the legal process of seizing money after someone is convicted. The DA is happy to have drug money off his streets.

"The money is key. It's very helpful to us internally; it's helpful to the police agencies. It’s helpful to the state for drug treatment. So the money is key. It's better to take the drug dealer's money than to rely on the tax payers so we're going to keep doing that," said Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell.

Police agencies will use the money for drug-related investigations, and upgrade equipment.