ORGANIZED CRIME LEGISLATION PROPOSED

The province is strengthening its ongoing commitment to keeping Saskatchewan communities safe with two pieces of legislation designed to create a hostile environment for organized crime and gang related activity.

Under The Seizure of Criminal Property Act, property that is the proceeds of unlawful activity or that is being actively used for an unlawful activity could be forfeited and sold.

Under The Criminal Enterprise Suppression Act, the owner or manager of a business who is a member of a criminal organization could see provincial tax or liquor licenses withheld or a court order prohibiting the business from storing or distributing liquor.

"Keeping communities safe is a top priority of this government," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. "Gangs and other criminal organizations are motivated by profit. By removing profit and the tools used to make that profit from the hands of criminals, we will assist our police services to make Saskatchewan an undesirable location for organized crime activity."

"Since 2003 this government has introduced a series of bills to help our police and justice officials to address organized crime and gang related activities in our province," Quennell said. "In 2003, we introduced legislation to record pawned property. In November 2004, we implemented legislation to target residential and commercial buildings and land used for illegal activities."

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For More Information, Contact:

Andrew Dinsmore Justice Regina Phone: (306) 787-8606