The offerings at the Down the Aisle bridal show in Atlanta appeared no different from what you would find in any other shop in America, except for the federal security guards who checked the customers for firearms, knives and explosives when they entered the building.

The racks were bursting with lace, tulle and taffeta, and the tables were lined with trinkets and bridal accessories. But the dresses were previously owned by an Alaskan drug dealer, and the runway models were federal employees.

The F.B.I. seized the dresses, cake toppers and even children’s cummerbunds from a woman in Juneau who was convicted of smuggling heroin and methamphetamines into the state. Shipments would arrive at a beading supply store that she owned with her husband, and the proceeds would go toward the costs of her bridal shop, which was one street over.

The bridal show was part of an effort to find buyers for the 3,000-piece wedding collection that has been in the government’s possession for more than two years.