Pubdate: Mon, 13 Apr 2009
Source: Miramichi Leader (CN NK)
Copyright: 2009 Brunswick News Inc.
Contact: http://miramichileader.canadaeast.com/onsite.php?page=contact
Website: http://miramichileader.canadaeast.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4756
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)

NEW ACT TO TAKE THE PROFIT OUT OF CRIME

FREDERICTON - New legislation is now in force that gives the New
Brunswick attorney general the authority to sell or dispose of
property that has been seized, restrained or forfeited to the
provincial government under the Criminal Code and the federal
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Attorney General T.J. Burke and Public Safety Minister John W. Foran
issued this reminder that the Management of Seized and Forfeited
Property Act is now in effect.

"The responsibilities for seizure and forfeiture were previously
carried out on a case-by-case basis by a court-appointed agent," said
Burke. "But this approach proved to be challenging over time. The new
act modernizes the process and brings New Brunswick in step with other
jurisdictions across Canada."

A proceeds of crime trust fund has been established for the deposit of
any funds recovered from the sale of forfeited property or liquid
assets seized that are the proceeds of crime. A proceeds of crime
strategic management committee has been established to advise the
attorney general about the management and administration of the trust
fund.

The committee consists of officials from the Office of the Attorney
General and the Department of Public Safety.

"It is important to note that proceeds of crime trust fund will be
used strictly for crime prevention or law enforcement, victim
restitution and the administration of criminal justice," said Foran.
"The act supports the Charter for Change commitment to take action
against organized crime and the drug trade."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin