Proposed legislative changes aim to take down organized crime, drug trafficking in Manitoba

The Manitoba government has introduced two bills aimed at cracking down on drug trafficking and organized crime.

The proposed Unexplained Wealth Act would make amendments to current legislation to allow assets that are proceeds of a crime, or were used to commit one, to be seized.

Justice Minister Matt Wiebe says investigators would have the power, with a court order, to require people to explain how they got property investigators believe is tied to unlawful activity, even before a conviction is made.

Someone being investigated will have to disclose documents and submit to an examination.

If law enforcement isn't satisfied by their answer, they could seize the property, said Wiebe.

Similar legislation has been introduced in British Columbia, where the government can ask owners of luxury houses and cars to explain where they got their money.

Wayne Balcaen, Manitoba's Progressive Conservative justice critic, says the NDP government's amendments appear to be redundant, as property can already be seized before conviction through civil forfeiture proceedings.

But the proposed bill would expand powers in a few areas, including forcing numbered corporations to disclose information about the owners of a property, as well as business partners and corporate directors.

The NDP also introduced a bill that would make it easier for police to seize vehicles with aftermarket changes, including hidden compartments.