ALBERTA JUSTICE SEIZES $11.4M IN ASSETS FROM CRIMINALS

EDMONTON -- New legislation aimed at hitting gangsters and drug
dealers where it hurts -- their wallets -- has had a major impact on
crime, says Alberta's justice boss.

Justice Minister Alison Redford said $11.4 million in homes, cars and
cash linked to crime has been seized under the Victims Restitution and
Compensation Payment Act.

She said vehicles are becoming the primary tool of "dial-a-dopers,"
who have taken illicit commerce mobile.

The year-old law now allows police to take these vehicles, many loaded
with concealed compartments for guns and drugs, off the road.

"The only thing that these mobile dealers require to run their drug
business is a car and a cellphone," Redford said.

"And if we can seize the car of a drug dealer, that's one less drug
dealer doing business."

In just the last year, 61 vehicles have been seized.

Redford said Justice Department lawyers have had a 97% success rate so
far in receiving judicial consent for seizure and forfeiture
proceedings.

She said there is currently one case in Alberta under appeal, but she
noted similar legislation in Ontario was recently upheld after facing
a constitutional challenge.

And with some $250,000 from forfeitures already given to victims of
crimes and support groups, Redford warned criminals that any property
used to commit a crime can be taken away.

"If you decide to use your home to produce drugs, you run the risk of
losing your home.

"If you choose to use your vehicle to sell drugs or to transport
drugs, you very well might lose your vehicle," she said.