Pubdate: Fri, 20 Apr 2012
Source: Burnaby Now, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.burnabynow.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1592
Author: Alfie Lau
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)

RCMP APPLY TO SEIZE CITY RESIDENCES

The Burnaby RCMP are attempting to seize two North Burnaby homes they 
believe are involved in marijuana grow operations.

According to a Burnaby RCMP press release, the detachment's drug 
section is using civil forfeiture as another tool in its goal of 
stopping the drug trade in Burnaby.

"Separate from criminal law, civil forfeiture targets property 
directly - not the offender - and is not dependent on a criminal 
conviction or charges being laid," Burnaby drug section supervisor 
Sgt. Scott Rintoul said in the press release. "Civil forfeiture will 
only be considered when the criminal process is exhausted."

The police are also in the process of seizing $20,000 in cash.

The forfeited property and cash is meant to benefit victims of crime 
and the community at large, via payments to support eligible victims 
and funding of community crime prevention activities.

The assets that the Burnaby RCMP are applying to be forfeited were 
seized during the course of marijuana grow op investigations and 
projects targeting "dial-a-dope" dealers.

"If you deal drugs or grow marijuana in Burnaby, we will be coming 
after the cash and tools you use to commit your crimes," said Rintoul.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom