CRACK SHACK FOR SALE

City Cited New Act to Convince Owners

A notorious North Shore crack shack is up for sale after the City of
Kamloops notified the owners that it may invoke the Civil Forfeiture Act.

The city used the act, which came into effect in 2006, once last year
to shut down another crack shack in Brocklehurst.

"In both instances, we've been making it clear to the landlords that
they do have a role of responsibility to stop the criminal activity,
and while we're creating pressure on them, we're also working with
them to get that to stop," said corporate affairs director Len Hrycan.

"Our goal is to have the activity stopped, not necessarily to require
that they sell their property."

The owner of the home on 248 Chestnut Ave. lives in Oliver, whereas
the owner of the Brocklehurst property changed her residence
frequently, and moved between British Columbia and Alberta.

Kamloops RCMP had already threatened to use the Civil Forfeiture Act
after their high-profile drug raid of the Chestnut Avenue home in mid-February.

During the raid, police seized more than three kilograms of cocaine
worth $240,000, 728 pot plants worth $365,000, as well as $40,000 in
cash, three handguns and one shotgun.

A few days after the raid, police arrested Patricia Ann Wallick. The
45-year-old had outstanding warrants from Kamloops and Vancouver, and
was a part-owner of the house.

Under the Civil Forfeiture Act, a municipality and the RCMP can
advise the provincial government to seize a property if it appears
the owners profit, or receive revenue, from the proceeds of crime on
that property.

"I don't think there's any question that it's a good tool," Hrycan
said about the act's usefulness to municipalities.

"It sends the message that we are in fact serious about what's
happening in these neigh-bourhoods."

Mayor Terry Lake said the city worked closely with the owner to nudge
him toward selling his property.

"He was obviously wanting to correct the situation and relieve
himself of the stress and anxiety," he said. "We worked very closely
with the owner."