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.
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