NCJ Number
119811
Journal
Bulletin on Narcotics Volume: 36 Issue: 4 Dated: special issue (October-December 1984) Pages: 43-50
Date Published
1984
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article describes the French government's procedures for tracing and seizing proceeds derived from illegal drug trafficking and pleads for more international cooperation among governments in drug crime forfeiture investigations.
Abstract
The French Customs Code provides customs officials with authority to seize proceeds of illegal drug transactions. Legal action is directed at all of those associated with illegal drug transactions. While French customs officials and police are empowered by law to undertake searches of houses where illegal drug trafficking is suspected, only a court of law can authorize the confiscation of property. Once a sentence has been pronounced, illegally acquired property that has been seized may be confiscated by the government. The French customs law works well domestically, but confiscation of the proceeds of drug crimes has been limited because the necessary international cooperation among governments has been lacking. The article includes recommendations to improve drug assets seizures at the national and international levels. (Author abstract modified)