Commonwealth initiatives in the tracing, seizing, freezing and forfeiture of drug proceeds

Commonwealth Law Ministers have recognized that improved domestic measures for tracing, seizing, freezing and forfeiting illegally acquired assets, including the proceeds of drug trafficking, should be complemented by international initiatives. To this end, the Commonwealth Secretariat is formulating a Commonwealth scheme for mutual judicial assistance in criminal matters to strengthen the ability of national authorities to investigate, prosecute and convict international drug traffickers. Work is also being done to develop model legislation governing the attachment of assets believed to have been illegally acquired. In addition, the Commonwealth Commercial Crime Unit has for the past three years been developing intelligence on illicit money operations relating to drug traffickers and other organized criminals. The Commonwealth Secretariat considers that the fight against organized drug crimes requires a wide-ranged response, including improved laws, greater training and education and increased international cooperation.