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13/12/2004
Alleged 'drug deal' proceeds frozen
A number of assets including a luxury house allegedly bought with the proceeds of drug dealing have been frozen by the Assets Recovery Agency.
The allegations were made in papers lodged at the High Court in Belfast claiming that the property in Coleraine, which includes 10 acres of land and stables, were owned by Patrick Fleming and others and "had been bought and improved with the proceeds of Mr Fleming's illegal drug dealing".
It also said that the majority of these assets had been “purchased and held in the name of Valerie Hook”, but that the true owner was her son-in-law Patrick Fleming.
An equestrian exercise arena, Nissan jeep, 15 horses and a horsebox were also seized in the operation which is estimated to be worth around £460,000, the agency said.
Commenting on today’s development, Security Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime Taskforce (OCTF), Ian Pearson, said it reinforced the message that organised crime would be tackled head on.
“This seizure demonstrates our commitment to putting organised criminals out of business,” Mr Pearson said. “Those who acquire wealth from preying on the most vulnerable members of our community will have their assets taken from them.
“We will continue to work relentlessly with our partner agencies to free society here from these criminals and their damaging activities,” he added.
(MB/SP)
The allegations were made in papers lodged at the High Court in Belfast claiming that the property in Coleraine, which includes 10 acres of land and stables, were owned by Patrick Fleming and others and "had been bought and improved with the proceeds of Mr Fleming's illegal drug dealing".
It also said that the majority of these assets had been “purchased and held in the name of Valerie Hook”, but that the true owner was her son-in-law Patrick Fleming.
An equestrian exercise arena, Nissan jeep, 15 horses and a horsebox were also seized in the operation which is estimated to be worth around £460,000, the agency said.
Commenting on today’s development, Security Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime Taskforce (OCTF), Ian Pearson, said it reinforced the message that organised crime would be tackled head on.
“This seizure demonstrates our commitment to putting organised criminals out of business,” Mr Pearson said. “Those who acquire wealth from preying on the most vulnerable members of our community will have their assets taken from them.
“We will continue to work relentlessly with our partner agencies to free society here from these criminals and their damaging activities,” he added.
(MB/SP)
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Agency freezes £1.5m in criminal assets
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Agency freezes £1.5m in criminal assets
Over £1.5 million worth of assets belonging to a murdered loyalist have been frozen by the Assets Recovery Agency (ARA), Security Minister Jane Kennedy announced today. A receiver has been appointed to take control of, and manage the assets of, dead loyalist Jim Johnston, who was shot dead at his Co Down home in May.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
