8 Riviera Dr. in Lake Riviera Estates, once a marijuana grow-op, is being sold by the province.
A house that was once a marijuana grow-op has a chance to become a home again after being forfeited to the province under the Criminal Property Forfeiture Act, Attorney General Andrew Swan announced.
RCMP officers seized more than 580 marijuana plants on July 7, 2009, at 8 Riviera Dr. in Lake Riviera Estates, three miles east of Ste. Anne. The house is now being sold by the province for a list price of $279,900.
“Crime shouldn’t pay,” said Swan. “Thanks to this legislation, proceeds from the sale of a property that was used for criminal purposes and grew misery in our communities will be used to combat crime instead.”
Under the act, a court can order proceeds from unlawful acts, and property bought with those proceeds or used in relation to an unlawful act, to be forfeited to the government. Along with real estate, items such as cash and vehicles can also be forfeited.
Other claims involving cash, vehicles and houses collectively valued at approximately $6.6 million are currently being pursued.
Proceeds from the sale of forfeited property are placed in a fund to support activities such as:
• compensating victims of the unlawful activity;
• remedying the effects of the unlawful activity;
• promoting safer communities by funding programs that reduce or prevent crime or enhance the practices and training of law enforcement agencies; and
• covering the costs of bringing the court application and seizing, managing and selling property ordered forfeited by a court.
Property ordered forfeited by a court can be sold, donated or destroyed. Protection for innocent third parties who have legitimate interests in a property is built into the legislation.
The legislation is available online at web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/c306e.php.
