NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2008PSSG0041-001163 July 25, 2008	Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
DRUGS LEAD TO SEIZURE AND SALE OF HIGH-END RIDES

VANCOUVER – Two SUVs that were alleged to have been used to deliver drugs on Vancouver Island have become the first vehicles forfeited to the Province under a civil forfeiture action, Solicitor General John van Dongen announced today.

 

The vehicles, worth an estimated $60,000, are now for sale. One is a chrome-laden, black 2003 Hummer H2 with Lamborghini-style hydraulic doors, a $16,000 custom audio system with four huge rear-facing speakers, a navigation system, and TV screens mounted in the front headrests of its beige leather seats. The other is a white 2002 GMC Denali with large chrome “spinner” wheels, a grey leather interior and tinted windows.

 

“Today’s event is another reminder of the growing consequences of unlawful activity – particularly activity that threatens public safety,” said van Dongen. “Since the end of March, we’ve seen nearly $1 million forfeited to the Province. More importantly for public safety, losing vehicles, cash and other property can suppress unlawful activity, or even stop it in its tracks.”

 

“When we collaborate with the Province to pursue property – whether it’s cars, cash or a grow-op – it means the property can’t be used to continue unlawful activity,” said Const. Peter Lane of the Victoria Police, who referred the SUV matters to the Civil Forfeiture Office. “The civil forfeiture program provides another effective option for police, and their record of success speaks for itself.”

 

In the two years since B.C.’s Civil Forfeiture Act came into force, the Province has prevailed in 38 cases and seen more than $4.8 million in cash, vehicles and other valuable property forfeited. This spring, the Province expanded the law to make property used for unlawful activity that is likely to cause serious bodily harm, like drunk driving and street racing, or likely to generate profit, such as marijuana cultivation, subject to civil forfeiture proceedings.

 

Van Dongen noted successful forfeiture actions convert unlawful tools and profits into funding for local crime prevention efforts and compensation for victims. In April, the Province awarded $500,000 in forfeiture proceeds to 27 community projects, some of which focus on domestic violence prevention, restorative justice and helping at-risk children return to school.

 

The vehicles are listed and open to bidding until Aug. 5 on the BC Auction website at www.bcauction.ca online.

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Media contact:	Cindy Rose Public Affairs Bureau 250 356-6961
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