Drug traffickers to pay the price under new laws

Drug traffickers will be forced to forfeit all of their property to the Queensland Government under tough new laws to be introduced in Parliament today.

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said the assets of a drug trafficker, whether obtained legally or illegally, could be confiscated under a serious drug offender confiscation order.

This will include gifts given by the offender to others in the six years predating the offence.

“These amendments will mean Queensland can be compensated for the burden the drug trade places on the community, health and justice systems,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Queensland Health estimates illicit drug use cost the state $1.6 billion in 2004/05 and approximately $39 million of that was in health care.

“Queenslanders should not be made to foot the bill for the damage these people cause.

“However, there will be discretion for the offenders’ dependants to apply for financial support on the grounds of hardship as they should not suffer for the bad decisions of their parents.”

Mr Bleijie said people were lured to the illicit drug trade by the promise of vast sums of money that can be made easily and without doing an honest days’ work.

“Criminals live lives often outside the reach of ordinary Queenslanders who earn their incomes and pay their taxes in accordance with the law,” Mr Bleijie said.

“These people use drug money to fund lavish lifestyles, but the high and tragic cost is often paid by the community.

“Taking away a criminal’s money and property through these new laws will be a more significant and harder punishment than a stint behind bars.

“We have also introduced unexplained wealth legislation that will target the wealth of the ‘Mr Bigs’ of crime who may not be directly involved in a crime but still profit from it.

“The Newman Government has pledged to get tough on crime and these new law reforms send a clear message that organised crime in Queensland will not be tolerated.”

[ENDS] 28 November 2012

Media Contact: Lisa O’Donnell 0400 986 432 or Matt Johnston 0432 535 893