ONDCP Fails in Forfeiture Case Against Bodybuilder; Cash Still Frozen

The High Court has dismissed the latest bid by the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) to forfeit more than EC$172,000 seized from bodybuilder Kenroy Christian nearly four years ago.

In a June 16 ruling, Justice Rene Williams found that the ONDCP failed to present admissible evidence at trial and therefore could not prove that the money was linked to criminal activity or intended for unlawful use.

The law enforcement agency had sought forfeiture of EC$172,736.65 under anti-money laundering legislation, but the court noted that it had failed to comply with earlier orders requiring the filing of witness statements and disclosure of evidence ahead of trial.

More in the ABS Evening News at 7.