Pubdate: Thu, 31 Jul 2008
Source: Parksville Qualicum Beach News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 Parksville Qualicum Beach News
Contact:  http://www.pqbnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1361

VEHICLES USED BY DRUG DEALERS FOR SALE

VICTORIA - Two SUVs that were alleged to have been used to deliver 
drugs on Vancouver Island have become the first vehicles forfeited to 
the province under a civil forfeiture action, Solicitor General John 
van Dongen announced.

The vehicles, worth an estimated $60,000, are now for sale.

"Today's event is another reminder of the growing consequences of 
unlawful activity - particularly activity that threatens public 
safety," said van Dongen. "Since the end of March, we've seen nearly 
$1 million forfeited to the province.

In the two years since B.C.'s Civil Forfeiture Act came into force, 
the province has prevailed in 38 cases and seen more than $4.8 
million in cash, vehicles and other valuable property forfeited. This 
spring, the province expanded the law to make property used for 
unlawful activity that is likely to cause serious bodily harm, like 
drunk driving and street racing, or likely to generate profit, such 
as marijuana cultivation, subject to civil forfeiture proceedings.

The vehicles are listed and open to bidding until Aug. 5 on the BC 
Auction website at www.bcauction.ca online.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart