NCJ Number
128896
Date Published
1988
Length
153 pages
Annotation
This analysis of the ways in which Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) laws are being implemented in Arizona, Florida, New Jersey, and Washington concludes that civil RICO can be a powerful approach to drug law enforcement.
Abstract
Arizona and Florida were chosen because of their successful experience in implementing RICO against drug trafficking organizations. New Jersey and Washington have more recent statutes and were chosen as examples of states in the early stages of using civil RICO against drug racketeers. The analysis indicates that states considering establishing or improving a civil RICO enforcement capability should enact statutes that include appropriate investigative tools and forfeiture provisions. An effective civil RICO enforcement capability against drug traffickers also requires a commitment from law enforcement authorities at the State and local level to plan and carry out a coordinated action strategy and funding to support enforcement activity, particularly in the initial implementation stages. Footnotes and appended texts of laws, list of contacts in States with RICO laws, and related materials