DEALERS LOSE THEIR WHEELS

Cops Seizing 'Dial-A-Doper' Vehicles

New legislation aimed at hitting gangsters and drug dealers where it
hurts most -- 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 that came into force last fall.

She said vehicles are becoming the primary tool of "dial-a-dopers" who
have taken illicit commerce mobile and 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 the last year, 61 vehicles have been seized under the legislation,
including 43 from Edmonton.

In a recent set of stings targeting dial-a-dopers, Edmonton cops laid
hundreds of charges and impounded 13 vehicles, actions, said police
Chief Mike Boyd, that are putting a serious dent in illegal drug operations.

"With these powerful tools to get the job done, I think the evidence
is pretty clear, it's working -- and we're just getting started," he
said.

"This is going to help us disrupt and dismantle and stop these
criminals from operating."

Redford said justice department lawyers have had a 97% success rate in
receiving judicial consent for seizure and forfeiture
proceedings.

She noted 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.
"This law was developed to disrupt the daily business of gangs and to
try and prevent the victimization of our community, and it's working."