25/03/2004

Assets Recovery Agency targets drug dealing property

Northern Ireland's Assets Recovery Agency has taken its first step in seizing a property in Co Londonderry which it believes is being used for drug dealing.

The Agency has successfully applied to the High Court in Belfast for an Interim Receiving Order (IRO) in respect of property in the Limavady area.

Under the IRO a Receiver has been appointed to take control of assets worth an estimated £400,000 in the area which the Agency believes are the proceeds of unlawful conduct. The assets include a number of houses in the North West, a farm, livestock and other property which the Agency will seek to show are the proceeds of drug dealing.

Earlier today the Receiver took action to begin to enforce the order and has begun an investigation. When this is complete the Agency will make an application to the High Court for a Recovery Order. If this is granted some or all of the assets may be forfeited.

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