PROCESS LAUNCHED FOR FORFEITURE OF PROPERTIES

Six North Okanagan properties worth $3 million have had forfeiture
proceedings commenced against them because they were used in a network
of marijuana grow operations.

Criminal forfeiture proceedings for two of the houses have been
launched under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. If the homes
are ordered forfeited, they will be turned over to the federal
government, and any money from the sale of the properties would go to
the federal coffers.

Civil forfeiture proceedings for the other four homes have been
undertaken by the provincial Civil Forfeiture Officer under the Civil
Forfeiture Act.

"This allows the government to apply to the courts for orders to
restrain, and forfeit assets acquired through, or used to engage in,
unlawful activity," said Vernon RCMP spokesman Gord Molendyk, who
added those houses would be turned over to the provincial government
if forfeited.

The six properties are located in Vernon, Coldstream, Armstrong,
Enderby and Falkland.

The proceedings come as a result of an investigation launched this
spring into the illegal grow-ops.

Seven search warrants were executed in May 2008, and more than 5,500
marijuana plants were seized. Eight people were charged with drug offences.

One of the eight, Vuong Van Ha, 50, pleaded guilty in Vernon
Provincial Court to production of a controlled substance. Ha was
sentenced to 15 months in jail.

Court proceedings against the other seven are ongoing.

Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP have referred 13 properties in the Vernon
area for forfeiture following the discover of marijuana growing
operations for a total value of $6 million.

Of those 13 properties, four have been forfeited to the federal
government, one has been forfeited to the provincial government and
the remaining eight are awaiting the finish of court proceedings.