Drug traffickers hit

Three houses owned by drug traffickers have been forfeited to the Territory Government.

The properties were seized under the Criminal Property Forfeiture Act.

Twenty-five vehicles used by drug dealers or grog runners have also been forfeited.

Seven of the vehicles have been auctioned for a total of $36,800.

More than $182,000 in cash has been seized because it was the proceeds
of crime.

The Criminal Property Forfeiture Act was introduced in the Territory Parliament in May 2002.

It replaced the previous forfeiture legislation which had confiscated only $7000 cash from the proceeds of drug crime in 15 years.

Justice Minister Peter Toyne was scathing in his remarks against drug dealers profiting from their crimes when the Bill was first introduced.

``Criminals should not profit from their criminal activity or benefit from their ill-gotten gains,'' Dr Toyne said.

``The proceeds of crime are derived at the expense of the rest of the
community and are earned through the harm and suffering of others.''

The Act allows for forfeiture without a criminal conviction.

Civil forfeiture can occur when a court is satisfied that it is more probable than not that criminal conduct has occurred.

Forfeiture orders can also be made in relation to declared drug traffickers, unexplained wealth, criminal benefits and crime-used property substitution.

The court may declare a person to be a drug trafficker when that person has been found guilty of three serious drug offences within a 10-year period.

Newshawk: http://www.tuf.org.au
Pubdate: 20th October 2004
Source: Northern Territory News
Author: Greg Mclean
Url: http://www.ntnews.com.au
Email: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au