Crime does pay -- Crime does pay, at least it does for North Miami Beach police.

The city's police department received a $5.47 million check from the federal government Tuesday as compensation for investigative work done by two North Miami Beach police officers who are currently detached to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.

The money, presented to Police Chief Raul P. Hernandez at Tuesday's meeting in the form of a three-foot-long check, comes from revenue seized during various international drug busts.

According to Hernandez, both officers -- who remain unnamed because they are still undercover -- are major players in the DEA's ongoing ``Operation Titan,'' a mission to take down drug czars and terrorists by cutting them off from a main source of funding: drug revenue.

Through the massive multi-agency investigation, which began in 2006, federal agents have tracked more than 100 people in the United States, Colombia, Guatemala, Panama, Lebanon, Hong Kong -- all allegedly connected to drug trade and money laundering that funds terrorism.

Since then, more than $40 million and four tons of cocaine have been seized, according to federal officials.

North Miami Beach gets a chunk of that pie.

``We're using the award to eradicate crime in our community,'' said Hernandez, who accepted the check from an old friend -- the DEA's Randall S. Bohman.

``I will accept this on behalf of my heroes -- your heroes,'' Hernandez said about his officers.

The money, Hernandez said, will go toward funding long-term undercover investigations and supplying officers with top-of-the-line equipment.

Also on the receiving end: crime prevention projects and nonprofits such as PanZOu, an organization that aims to keep children and teens from joining gangs and falling victim to street violence.

During an interview Wednesday, Councilman Philippe Derose said he was happy to see the city receive the award and noted the benefit of having local officers work for the DEA.

``This is great for our city. Last night is a clear example of the good work of our police department's contribution,'' he said.

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