New Drug Bill published Unlawful assets will be seized

(As part of observances for its 30th anniversary, Stabroek News will be reproducing snippets from its earlier years on page four of each day’s newspaper.) THE Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Bill has been published. In the explanatory memorandum, it is stated that the bill “seeks to make comprehensive provisions to achieve the object of protecting the society from the menace of narcotics and persons who deal in them.”

Severe penalties are prescribed for persons in possession of narcotics (a fine of not less than Jagan $5,000 and imprisonment for not less than one year), traffickers (minimum $10,000 and three years), supplying or administering to children who die (life imprisonment) and cultivation of plant (minimum $5,000 and three years).

A new feature is the provision tor forfeiture of assets.

The Director of Public Prosecutions can apply to the court for a restraint order and the Court may order the Official Receiver to take control of assets. The accused may apply to show that assets were inherited or purchased with funds lawfully earned in which case they can be excluded.

Ultimately, a forfeiture order can be made.

The bill is in keeping with laws passed abroad to deal with the international drug problem.