A RULING, on Tuesday, in the Supreme Court, which saw the first case being brought under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2007, is just one of many to come as local crime investigative agencies seek to utilise the act to break the back of organised crime.

The court ordered the Assets Recovery Agency to freeze the multimillion-dollar assets of Delores Elizabeth Miller, who was charged with money laundering after being found with more that US$1.3 million at her home.

The act, which was passed in January, gives legislative power to the State to have property forfeited, and to confiscate proceeds obtained through drug trafficking and money laundering.

Organised crime, which involves a highly disciplined and structured network of criminals whose aims are to garner monetary profits, has over several years become a part of the Jamaican criminal landscape.

Stemming gang operations

Over the past few years, several gangs, such as the 'One Order', 'Clansman', 'Gideon Warriors' and 'Stone Crusher', have emerged, and are all known for their extortion, money laundering and gun-running operations.

Several members of these gangs have been either killed or arrested, with the police claiming the numerous assets of these men. Incidentally several high-profile businessmen, have been extradited to the United States to await trial for drug charges.

One name which comes to mind is the notorious Donovan 'Bulbie' Bennett, the former head of the Spanish Town-based Clansman gang, who was killed in 2005.

Bennett, who was linked to more than 100 murders, was known to be wealthy. At the time of his death, he was the owner of a seven-bedroom house in Clarendon, several vehicles, construction equipment and businesses.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Glenmore Hinds, head of Kingfish, says his agency is currently investigating Bulbie's assets, with a view of seizing any assets under the act.

"Certainly as it relates to Bulbie's assets, those investigations are still ongoing. The confiscation of those assets is also still ongoing."

Although it is new legislation, ACP Hinds said his agency was looking forward to the usage of the act in its many investigations, and says Kingfish will be going after anyone who has acquired assets through a criminal lifestyle.

Head of the Narcotics Division, Senior Superintendent Carlton Wilson, also stated that his division was intent in applying this act. While saying it was too early to point to specific cases, SSP Wilson said the act was being looked at with a view of using it in the future.