Pubdate: Thu, 08 Nov 2007
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Chad Skelton
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

TWO GROWING-OPERATION HOUSES FORFEITED

A convicted marijuana grower has lost two half-million-dollar homes 
after a judge ordered them forfeited to the government as proceeds of 
crime. In a recent decision, Judge Ellen Gordon ordered that Nam Van 
Tran's properties at 16418 78A Ave. and 10668 141A St. -- valued at 
$489,000 and $490,000 respectively -- should be turned over to the 
federal government. She also sentenced Tran to eight months in 
prison, in addition to the five months he has already served.

Surrey RCMP said Tran was first arrested after police raided two 
growing operations in early 2004, finding a total of more than 900 
marijuana plants.

Tran pleaded guilty to growing marijuana on July 4, 2005 and was 
awaiting sentencing when, on July 13, Surrey RCMP raided another 
growing operation run by Tran and found 848 plants. He was charged a 
second time and once again pleaded guilty.

Tran sold one of the three homes used for growing marijuana, but 
Surrey RCMP's proceeds-of-crime team went after the other two. On 
Nov. 2, Gordon ordered those two properties turned over to the government.

Surrey RCMP spokesman Sgt. Roger Morrow said Tran's two properties 
are the 13th and 14th Surrey houses forfeited to the government since 
police started going after homes used for growing operations and 
methamphetamine labs in 2002.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman