Pubdate: Thu, 14 Jul 2005
Source: Aldergrove Star (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Central Fraser Valley Star Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.aldergrovestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/989
Author: Natasha Jones
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

POT PROFITS WILL SOON BE 'SEIZED'

One of the final pieces of legislation crafted by Fort
Langley-Aldergrove MLA Rich Coleman before the May provincial election
promises to become a significant tool in the fight against drug crime.

The Civil Forfeiture Act was finalized and approved after it was
introduced in March by Coleman, then the Minister of Public Safety and
Solicitor General.

The Act will be introduced in the fall session of the legislature by
Coleman's successor, Chilliwack MLA John Les.

Earlier this year, Langley Township council wrote to Coleman
expressing concern that B.C. Hydro has invaluable information" that
could be used to help law enforcement authorities.

Lower Mainland politicians were shocked to learn that the utility
corporation claimed that privacy legislation prevented it from
reporting excessive use of electricity. Hydro's defence came after 28
pot growing operations were uncovered in one Coquitlam townhouse
building. Marijuana plantations require a great deal of electricity,
and Hydro upgraded electricity services at those townhouses.

In his response, which council received late last month, Coleman said
that the government was reviewing the privacy implications of B.C.
Hydro providing police and other authorities with access to customer
information to see if there is a way to allow disclosure while at the
same time addressing legitimate privacy concerns.

Langley MP Mark Warawa said at the time that Hydro was benefiting from
the proceeds of crime by accepting huge payments in cash." In his
letter to council, Coleman said that every effort must be made to
counter the marijuana grow operation problem. While police action will
remain the primary means to respond to the problem, we must also
ensure that other measures are in place to detect and deal with grow
operations."

Earlier this year Coleman announced that provincial electrical
inspectors would team up with police, firefighters and bylaw
enforcement officers in Surrey and Abbotsford on two pilot projects
aimed at countering grow-ops. If a residence is found to be a hazard,
utilities can be shut off.

It's very exciting," commented Mayor Kurt Alberts last week, adding
that he wondered how Langley could become part of the project.

The Civil Forfeiture Act is a direct response to the lucrative drug
industry and will provide a more effective means to attack the
financial means of illegal activity," allowing authorities to seize
property believed to have been gained through the profits of the drug
trade, Coleman wrote.

The legislation contains the reverse onus" concept in which the owner
or occupant of a building busted for drugs will have to prove that the
house and items in it were purchased with legal" money, not that
derived from illegal drug activity.

Coleman told Black Press that the legislation pushes the window
further than any other jurisdiction in Canada.

In March, an undercover drug officer told a drug forum in Aldergrove
that the amount of pot grown in B.C. soared from 19,000 kilograms in
1997 to 79,000 kilograms in 2003. The drug is seen as the fuel that
generates the income for organized crime, which is linked to 85 per
cent of grow-ops.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin