Slug drug dealers (Editorial)

The profits from drug dealing are enormous. As reported in the Northern Territory News, dealers in one Territory gang are making up to $50,000 a week – each.

With this kind of money on offer, the temptations to get involved in the trade are powerful.

Sentences for drug dealing are harsh – prison is almost inevitable if it is proved the drugs were for sale.

But prison alone is not a strong enough deterrent – man is a greedy animal and people are willing to risk the loss of their freedom to get a year’s pay in a week.

Therefore, the police use of criminal property forfeiture legislation should be applauded.

Seizing the proceeds of drug dealing is hitting the criminals where it hurts most – in the pocket.

Police have confiscated goods worth more than $2.5million since the legislation came into effect in June, 2003.

Homes, vehicles and cash have been seized.

As acting Police Minister John Ah Kit says, the legislation works separately from criminal charges – in other words, police can instantly freeze a drug dealer’s assets, even before court proceedings have finished.

This stops criminals hiding or selling their goods while waiting for the courts to deal with them.

Again, it is hoped that police are using their powers under the legislation mostly against the dealers and manufacturers of hard drugs.

People might think twice about drug dealing if they are in grave danger of losing everything they own – plus their freedom.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: 11th January 2005
Source: Northern Territory News
Copyright: 2005 Northern Territory News
Website: http://www.ntnews.com.au
Email: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au