SEIZED SUVS DRAW MULTIPLE B.C. BIDDERS AT AUCTION

VANCOUVER -- The trendspotters announced the death of the SUV this
summer when the price of gas in British Columbia jumped to $1.50 a
litre. But the provincial government had no difficulty in drawing
bidders in recent weeks to the first-ever auction of SUVs that
allegedly belonged to drug couriers on Vancouver Island.

Two high-end SUVs - a 2003 Hummer H2 and a 2002 GMC Denali - were on
the auction block. The government seized the vehicles under
two-year-old provincial legislation that provides for the forfeiture
of property used for unlawful activity or the profits of crime.

The black Hummer H2 has lots of chrome, Lamborghini-style hydraulic
doors, a $16,000 custom audio system with four huge rear-facing
speakers, a navigation system and TV screens mounted in the front
headrests of its beige leather seats. The Denali has large chrome
"spinner" wheels, a grey leather interior and tinted windows.

The vehicles were expected to bring in $60,000. However, the bids far
exceeded their targets, totalling $73,500 combined. The Hummer H2
attracted 103 bidders and sold for $38,200; the GMC Denali had 76
bidders and went for $35,300.

Rob Kroeker, executive director of the civil forfeiture office, said
the auction went better than expected. "We were pleased," he said in
an interview. "Any time we can stop a criminal enterprise carrying on
by taking away any of their assets is a good thing."

Mr. Kroeker said he believed the vehicles were not bought by auto
dealers, but he declined to release the name of the purchasers for
privacy reasons.

"You might as well paint a target right on them," he added. The
original owners may be interested in stealing back the vehicles;
splashing the purchaser's name and place of residence in the media
could place the new owners in danger, he said.

Ian Speckman of Maple Ridge Chrysler - which was advertising a 2006
Hummer H3 yesterday for $32,995 - said in an interview it was
difficult to estimate the value of the Hummer on the auction block
without seeing it, despite his 25 years in the business. Mileage, the
condition of the vehicle and the extras would affect the price, he said.

However, he was not surprised that the SUVs attracted considerable attention.

"I keep selling them like crazy," he said. Motorists have adjusted to
the higher prices, Mr. Speckman said. Also, many people require a
larger vehicle to tow a trailer or boat.

The B.C. government has seized cash, expensive jewellery, vehicles
and property worth $4.8-million in 38 cases since initiating the
program two years ago.

The government has sold the jewellery by auction, and the property is
sold through a real estate agent.

The proceeds go to crime-prevention programs, compensation for
victims of the crimes and administration of the program, Mr. Kroeker said.