Pubdate: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 Source: Manila Times (Philippines) Copyright: 2005, The Manila Times Contact: http://www.manilatimes.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/921 Author: Anthony Vargas Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) SEIZED ASSETS OF DRUG LORDS SHOULD BE FOREFEITED-PNP ANTIDRUG authorities said on Friday that they are pursuing plans to reorganize their internal antimoney-laundering council to hasten the forfeiture of assets seized from suspected drug lords. Deputy Director General Ricardo de Leon said at a press briefing in Camp Crame that they would recommend this to the Antimoney Laundering Council (AMLAC). "We have fund shortage this month that's why we will recommend this to the PNP chief, Director General Ed-gardo Aglipay Jr. of organizing PNP's own antimoney laundering here," De Leon said. He said that the PNP's antilaundering team will coordinate with the AMLAC to expedite the process of forfeiting seized assets. "This asset that would be forfeited would be used for the construction of additional rehabilitation centers for drug dependents like what happened in Tanza, Cavite," De Leon said. About two years ago, authorities raided a house used by drug syndicate in manufacturing shabu. The house has since then been converted into a rehabilitation center. He said there are about 63 govern-ment and private drug rehabilitation centers. The biggest is in Bicutan, Taguig, which accommodates 8,000 patients. De Leon said that in the United States, once a suspected drug lord has been convicted of a crime, his assets will be forfeited in favor of the government within a month. He added that both Houses of Congress could determine how much funds could be allotted in the setting up of a new rehabilitation centers to treat drug dependents. - ---