Pubdate: Wed, 06 Apr 2005
Source: Pacific Daily News (US GU)
Copyright: 2005 Pacific Daily News
Contact: http://www.guampdn.com/customerservice/contactus.html
Website: http://www.guampdn.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1122
Author: Katie Worth
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration)

MONEY FROM CONFISCATED ASSETS TO BENEFIT POLICE

It all started with a Guam police officer patching shreds of evidence
together in the investigation of a low-to mid-level drug dealer.

But the drug dealer led police to his supplier, and within a few
weeks, the case turned into a full-scale investigation of an
international drug-dealing scheme.

Since then, nearly 10 drug dealers are behind bars and about $1
million in assets -- from Rolex watches to real estate -- have been
confiscated.

Best of all, said Jeff Silk, the resident agent in charge of Guam's
Drug Enforcement Administration office, the bust appears to have made
a dent in the drug supplies on island.

"Shortly after this case was locked up, the price of ice (on Guam)
almost doubled for a period of time," Silk said.

Plus, the money garnered from the sale of the confiscated assets are
going to go back into law enforcement. Yesterday, the U.S. Attorney's
office presented the Guam Police Department with what will hopefully
be the first in a series of checks of money brought in when the
criminals' assets were confiscated.

Total of $103K

The money -- a total of $103,845.42 -- will go toward things like
training expenses and new equipment, said police Chief Frank Ishizaki.

The U.S. Attorney's office also may be dispersing money from the
confiscation of the assets to Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency and
the Guam National Guard, said U.S. Attorney Leonardo M. Rapadas.

The money is being dispersed through the Department of Justice
Forfeiture Program, which is intended to deprive criminals of the
profits of their illegal activities.

Silk said most of the illegal drugs on Guam arrive from Hong Kong,
Korea, Japan, Taiwan and other Asian capitals, and to a lesser extent
from the U.S. mainland and Mexico.

Gov. Felix Camacho praised the program at the check-dispersing
ceremony yesterday.

"These (drug traffickers) are getting rich off the lives of our
people," he said. 
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