TWO VALLEY 'GROW-OP' HOMES SEIZED, SOLD

Two residential properties in Abbotsford used to house substantial
marijuana grow-ops are the latest assets to be captured under the BC
Civil Forfeiture Act's net, Solicitor General John Les and Abbotsford
Police Chief Ian MacKenzie announced Nov. 22.

"The act hones in on one of the main factors we know motivate many
lawbreakers - profit," said Les.

"Where it has been proven in civil court that property has been
acquired as a result of unlawful activity, or has been used for
unlawful activity, the Supreme Court can step in and order forfeiture
of the property."

Almost 4,000 marijuana plants were found by the Abbotsford Police
Department's Drug Squad at a residence on Simpson Road and at another
residence on Willet Road.

The houses have now been sold, mortgages paid off and $230,000 paid to
government under the act.

"We recognized early on that this new law would be a great tool for
police to hit back at organized crime," said MacKenzie.

"We were one of the first police departments in the province to refer
files to the Civil Forfeiture office and we will continue to do so
because it is an innovative option for police that is obviously
working well."

The act came into force in May 2006. Proceeds from the sale of assets
such as houses, cars, boats or other property ordered forfeited by the
court are paid into a special account to:

. Compensate eligible victims of an unlawful activity;

. Prevent unlawful activities by providing grants to fund
crime-prevention activities;

. Remedy the effects of unlawful activities; and

. Cover costs related to the administration of the
act.

The province recently seized a Nanaimo property known to be the local
clubhouse of the Hells Angels. That case remains in civil court.

There are currently more than 60 additional cases being actively
pursued, on behalf of British Columbians, by government's civil
forfeiture office.

To date, over $2 million in cash and assets obtained through illegal
activities have been turned over to taxpayers over the past 17 months.