A small aircraft worth an estimated $95,000 (£75,000) was seized by authorities in Alaska after its pilot was found to be carrying a six-pack of beer, in a case that has now escalated all the way to the US Supreme Court. The dispute centres on whether the forfeiture of such a valuable asset over a minor alcohol offence was a proportionate response, raising broader questions about the limits of civil asset forfeiture powers used by state authorities.

The case has drawn attention because of the stark mismatch between the value of the property seized and the alleged infraction involved. The Supreme Court's decision is expected to clarify how far states such as Alaska can go in confiscating property under forfeiture laws, with implications for similar cases nationwide.