Think Twice Before Street Racing.

By 250 News

Vancouver, B.C.-  A Ferrari and a BMW with a combined value of $310,000 have been forfeited thanks to the combined efforts of the RCMP’s Federal Integrated Proceeds of Crime Unit (IPOC) and the BC Civil Forfeiture Office.

( photo of Ferrari at right)

The two vehicles  were seized in relation to  an incident that happened on September 25th. 

That was the day North Vancouver RCMP stopped two 31-year-old men who were racing on Mount Seymour Road. A 2008 Ferrari Scuderia (valued at $235,000) was seen at speeds reaching 200 km/h, and a BMW M6 (valued at $75,000 ) was close behind. One pedestrian said she was nearly hit while walking with her children.

At the time they were stopped, both drivers were ticketed for excessive speeding and driving without due care and attention. They were also issued 15-day driver’s license suspensions and had their cars impounded for seven days.

The Integrated Proceeds Of Crime Section recommended the BC Civil Forfeiture Office assess the case. It was found to be suitable for civil prosecution under the BC Civil Forfeiture Act for the following reasons:

1. The vehicles were by definition "street racing";
2. The speeds were estimated at 200 km/h on roads designed and signposted for 60 km/h;
3. The disregard by both drivers for the motoring public;
4. The near miss of three pedestrians;
5. The potential for catastrophic injury or death.

“I don’t think anyone in their right mind would disagree with the notion that this kind of driving is absolutely unacceptable. If something had happened, if one of the drivers had lost control and left the roadway or struck another vehicle, at almost 200 km/h, without question someone would have died,” said Corporal Peter DeVries, North Vancouver Media Relations Officer.

The two vehicles will now be sold. 

The Province already  has a deal  for a dealership to take the Ferrari, but the BMW will be sold at auction on the Province's  BC Auction website at www.bcauction.ca.
Of the Ferrari sale proceeds, 50 per cent will go to a relative of the  driver who was part owner but was not involved in the incident. The  Province will receive 20 per cent and the driver, 30 per cent. Proceeds
from the BMW sale will go first to cover the costs of storage and  disposal, and repaying a bank debt on the vehicle. Out of the remaining  proceeds, 30 per cent will go to the Province and 70 per cent to the
driver.

From the total proceeds from both vehicles, the Province will  receive about $100,000.  
 

Since 2006, B.C.'s civil forfeiture legislation has worked to take away  tools and proceeds of unlawful activity. To date, cash and assets valued  at more than $13 million have been forfeited to the Province, including
$4.4 million since April 1, 2010. 

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