Two residential properties in Abbotsford used to house substantial marijuana grow-ops are the latest assets to be captured under the BC Civil Forfeiture Act's net, Solicitor General John Les and Abbotsford Police Chief Ian MacKenzie announced today.

"The act hones in on one of the main factors we know motivate many lawbreakers - profit," said Les. "Where it has been proven in civil court that property has been acquired as a result of unlawful activity, or has been used for unlawful activity, the Supreme Court can step in and order forfeiture of the property."

Almost 4,000 marijuana plants were found at a residence on Simpson Road and at another residence on Willet Road by the Abbotsford Police Department's Drug Squad. The houses have now been sold, mortgages paid off and $230,000 paid to government under the act.

"We recognized early on that this new law would be a great tool for police to hit back at organized crime," said MacKenzie. "We were one of the first police departments in the province to refer files to the Civil Forfeiture office and we will continue to do so because it is an innovative option for police that is obviously working well."

The act came into force in May 2006. Proceeds from the sale of assets such as houses, cars, boats or other property ordered forfeited by the court are paid into a special account to:
* Compensate eligible victims of an unlawful activity;
* Prevent unlawful activities by providing grants to fund crime-prevention activities;
* Remedy the effects of unlawful activities; and
* Cover costs related to the administration of the act.

The Province recently seized a Nanaimo property known to be the local clubhouse of the Hells Angels. That case remains in civil court.

There are currently more than 60 additional cases being actively pursued, on behalf of British Columbians, by government's civil forfeiture office. To date, over $2 million in cash and assets obtained through illegal activities have been turned over to taxpayers over the
past 17 months.