Police: We are after Warren’s hidden loot
Tuesday 29th March 2011, 2:58PM BST.
Mr Bowron reading the joint statement on Monday
THE police will try to find millions of pounds that they suspect drug baron Curtis Warren has hidden after the Privy Council rejected his appeal yesterday.
In a statement issued just after the decision by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council rejecting the Warren appeal, the police and Law Officers said they would seek to recoup the £5m investigation and prosecution costs.
Warren and five others were jailed in 2009 for conspiring to import £1m worth of cannabis into Jersey two years earlier. The appeal focused on the bugging of a car being driven through France, Belgium and Holland to collect the drugs.
Reading the joint statement outside Police Headquarters, police chief Mike Bowron said: ‘With Warren and his co-conspirators back behind bars and with all legal proceedings complete, proceedings will now continue to confiscate his criminally-obtained assets.’
Read the full story in the Jersey Evening Post. Click here for subscription details. Individual editions are also available online.
Travel
To, from and around the Island
Airport Arrivals/Departures
Harbours Arrivals/Departures
Bus Information/Timetables
JOIN US ON...
Facebook and Twitter
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Got a story? Get in touch
KIT 4 CLUBS
Win a share of £10,000
2012 is the year of the London Olympics and to celebrate this great event the Jersey Evening Post, in association with sponsors Ogier is giving all sporting clubs a chance to win a share of £10,000.
This is Jersey
Jersey Evening Post
Useful links
At who’s cost????
Report abuse
Good luck finding the cash.
Our very own Keystone Kops would have trouble finding it even if it was buried under a flashing neon sign saying “Stolen Loot Here”!
In any case the elusive Mr Warren would have long since laundered his ill gotten gains into bona fide companies – maybe there are even a few over here !
Report abuse
Is that what they were trying to find in the st Ouen field last week?
Report abuse
Use the cash and the dope to build coffee shops.
Build them around the casino and there you ll see more tourists than you ever seen before on the rock.
Use the over 60s Blue Tantivy s coach to takes the tourist to a monthly Grass Roots or Jersey live and there you get a booming Island.
Seriously, may be not but why not… it s not 2 degrees more and the high Jersey prices who’s gonna bring the needed tourists…
Report abuse
Does it matter how much it cost to get them
Behind bars ? The point in this is some bad
People are off the streets and so are their drugs.
Granted someone else will fill the gap quick
enough but it may have potentially saved a Childs
life. Surely that’s more important !
Report abuse
I must say, I am stunned that Warrendid not win his appeal against his prosecution based on the simple fact that the Privy Council Court confirmed that the States Police used illegal practices to obtain evidence.
Report abuse
and what happens if he wins his appeal at the European court?
Report abuse
Mary Hinge, if you spent a little time on research instead ofasinine comments, you would know that the jersey police have recovered tens of millipns of stolen assets and are well regarded internationally. Still, facts arent as much fun as making silly, misinformed remarks, are they?
Report abuse
Is this really what it’s all about…..the eagerness for what amounts to entrapment….there are a few of us here who remember the Bank of Cantrade affair and the similarities between what is right and the power players preferences…….
Report abuse
5 get real…..would YOU please get real…when did you last hear of a child who died from smoking a joint…
Report abuse
Farmer Geddon – If you’re talking about facts, why not talk about the fact that the SOJ Police have no chance in finding Warren’s fortune. It is well documented that Warren has tens of millions, all in bank accounts and property, none of the details of which exist any more, other than in his own head.
It may be wrong to call him a genius but he will only give over what he wants – do some research yourself to find out, thats exactly what he did when he was caught in Holland. He gave the Dutch authorities 3 properties that they had no clue he owned, just to prove he was a step ahead.
I’m not saying that what he does is right, because it isn’t, but to spend a further fortune trying to find the ‘loot’ that will never be found is a waste of money.
Zoro – you are totally right, this whole saga has been a case of entrapment, which as far as I understood, was illegal and resulted in cases being thrown out?
Report abuse
why? …don,t you get paid enough in the force or something?..try working in a real city!!
Report abuse
Truthseeker – i actually fully agree with you! Mr/Ms Get Real – alcohol kills far more children (and adults) and this so called drug baron’s arrest was not only illegal but stupid as well… do you know what happens when kids who smoke dope can’t get hold of dope anymore? They try other drugs – harder and cheaper drugs that are more readily available because it seems the police are very good at locking people up who supply cannabis but heroin? LSD? Cocaine? – they’re the killers and ironically they’re the drugs that are the easiest to get hold of!
This article is going to spark a bunch of treasure hunters though – I can see it now
Report abuse
Warren had to abort his plan to smuggle drugs into Jersey because he could not raise the money to buy them in Amsterdam. This does not suggest that he has milllions stashed away.
Report abuse
My guess is Warren will walk….and you can rub my nose in it if I am proved wrong……so don’t be too hasty grabbing any dosh boys…you’ll look real silly if you have to give it back….and then can you imagine the excuses trotted out ” Um Err well it was a technical issue and the lawyers are looking into it….face it…out of your league.
Report abuse
Lula and Trusthseeker – I also agree.
I think that cannabis should have been legalised over here years ago. The system would cost a bit to implement but after the associated start up costs it would pay for itself and then some. The States would be able to tax the drug on top of the cost of purchasing it from them in the first place…. purity could be controlled and it prevents criminals such as Curtis Warren making money off it which is then used to fund other illegal activities, there would be no profit to be made by anyone other than the government. It could also then be used by people for medicinal purposes based on a prescription from their GP. From the States point of view it’s win/win – they can make even more money…
And not forgetting the positive effect that this would also have on tourism and the jobs that it would create. Plus it could be farmed over here…bet all the farmers would regret selling their land then!
Alcohol is so much more harmful and if cannabis was legalised I think there wouldn’t be as many drinkers on the island and there would subsequently be less alcohol related crime and violence…. lets face it how often do you hear about someone getting into a fights or being disorderly after having a joint..no one….however after a few beers on the other hand…well just have a look at tonights JEP!!
I do appreciate that it’s a controversial subject but it does make sense!
Report abuse
With reference to the recent letter from Mike Pitman the JFSC are doing their bit by preventing the use of small denomination Co-op stamps for such purposes.
On a serious note perhaps the millions spent on such nonsense could be better diverted to our failing health and education services.
Report abuse
truthseeker#10
Are you in love with Warren or something?
He was not a Robin Hood who only supplied specially selected harmless cannabis to those who could not afford a pint.
He was a ruthless gangster who did not give a flying f*** for those whose demise or crippling he arranged or caused so long as he made a profit.
As I have said on another thread when he was caught in Holland police findings were three guns, ammunition; hand grenades, crates with 960 CS gas canisters, 400 kilograms (880 lb) of cocaine, 1,500 kilograms (3,300 lb) of cannabis resin, 60 kilograms (130 lb) of heroin, 50 kilograms (110 lb) of ecstasy. The whole haul was estimated to be worth £125 million.
And you say to Get real#5
“Would YOU please get real…when did you last hear of a child who died from smoking a joint”
GOD, you are so naive in your blinkered understanding of this world
Report abuse
I should also point out that I am not a drug user!!!…. People are going to use the drug whether it’s illegal or not and it’s one way of preventing criminals profiteering from the sale and importation and injecting that cash directly back into the economy which will benefit everyone.
Report abuse
Curtis was no ‘Genius’…he got caught!
Hopefully SOJP will succeed were the Dutch authorities failed!
Report abuse
PJG…it is not about personalities….the law ….should it wants respect has to be seen to be straight and Law abiding….and that is all there is to this..nothing more…local cops applied to three countries for permission and were told lest we forget NO….so who is disregarding the law you cannot be the guardian of the law and break it yourself.
Report abuse
When Warren walks Jersey has no claim to the proceeds of crime in any case… but they turned down his appeal to give the UK a couple of extra years to see what, if anything, is left.
The UK takes his proceeds of crime, Jersey pays him a few million in compensation to retire ‘straight’ on. Everyone’s a winner.
Yes everyone, because Jersey is made to clean up it’s criminal justice system (Courts and Police). That’s worth paying a few million to the man who made it all possible.
Report abuse
James Wiley#22
“When Warren walks”
Do you know something the rest of the world doesn’t?
I will put my faith in the ECHR the same as I did the Royal court, Privy Council etc. to understand that although the police did break the law of “OTHER” countries their actions were not instrumental to the crime. Justice is not black and white. Apart from the evidential test in a judgment the public interest must also be considered.
After all the placing of the bug when in Jersey was a legal action. It was only illegal when Warren took it abroad. The Jersey police are only guilty of listening to broadcasts that they had no way of stopping.
Therefore it’s my HOPE they let the Jersey police receive the chastisement/ penalties they deserve for what they did and let Warren and his gang receive the penalties they deserve for what they undoubtedly did.
I.M.O all of these courts and councils are compiled of people who understand the law and fairness, they will conduct themselves without bias or prejudgment.
I for one will accept their decision, but I would not dare to predict it.
“When Warren walks”
Do you know something the rest of the world doesn’t?
Or are you just arrogant?
Report abuse
@23
Clearly I simply have a better understanding of the legal process than you.
The higher courts do not re-try the original charge they consider appeals on points of law.
They have merely concluded that nothing prevented the Royal Court from reaching the correct verdict. None of these judgements states that they think the Royal Court reached the right verdict, because that is not what they were convened to do.
Strasbourg will not be judging Mr. Warren, what he did or did not do is irrelevant to the case before them, they will be judging the actions of the States of Jersey.
The very make up of the Royal Court has already been found to breach the European Convention on Human Rights, that point has not yet been tested on appeal. (McGonnell vs United Kingdom)
The States of Jersey crown officers less than six months ago acknowledged that the law in Jersey is wildly out of sync with what our obligations under the convention are but said they did not have time to sort it all out.
Therefore I accept their statement and assume that on at least one point we will be found to be in breach of the convention and therefore Mr Warren will receive compensation.
The law is the law they did not only obtain illegal evidence (a breach of Article 6 to be precise) but they then naively used it as evidence in a Court of Law (a further, separate breach of Article 3).
They collected evidence in breach of the convention and then used the same evidence in a hearing in breach of the convention, that hearing was in a Court whose constitution is in violation of the Convention.
I think it is pretty clear cut myself.
I thoroughly reject your argument that it is ok for the Police to break the law in the public interest. In any case, it is not in the public interest to have a police force which is above the law.
Report abuse
Under UK and Jersey law the fact that evidence is obtained illegally doesn’t in itself make it inadmissible in court. I think those people who think it is have probably watched too many episodes of CSI!
Report abuse
Jame Wiley..you are my Hero……..
Report abuse
PJG ..you are clearly arguing something beneath your pay point.
Report abuse
Instead of going after C. Warren`s loot, go after the SOJP who broke the law in order to convict him, a failure to do this with mean that “crime does pay” for too long over here the Jersey authorities have thought that they are above everything and anybody and have indeed got away with it, eventually the EEC will have this lot over here, one way or an other.
Report abuse
jersey`s human rights!!!! need looking into.we are a third world country for this
Report abuse
@25
The country whose law has most often been found to be incompatible with the Convention is the United Kingdom – the very country who set the Convention up.
So saying that Jersey Law or UK law says this, matters very little at this point. This case is now judged under a different set of rules.
Report abuse
James Wiley – you’re absolutely right Warren will be entitled to compensation not acquittal.
This will not be the first time that EC court in Strasburg have ruled on this type of procedural error – there is no better case reference than R v Khan – a read of that will put all of this into perspective – Warren gets a few measly grand as compensation but still remains banged up and hopefully loses his ill gotten gains – hooray.
Report abuse
And there was silly me thinking the ECHR was made up of people who were intelligent, learned, and fair and would make their own decisions rather than just rubber stamp JWs views.
“WHEN Warren walks”
ARROGANCE!!
James Wiley, you should take up betting on the Gee Gees being able to “absolutely” predict the outcome of such a body as the ECHR, the 11oclock at Doncaster should be easy for you.
Zoro#27
I am surprised you can see that high, from looking at your posts so far I would think you’d get a nose bleed at a pay point as high as mine.
Kev#31
If you had said may instead of “will” I would agree, I think your predicted outcome sounds a reasonable decision made by reasonable people.
Report abuse
Go to Green Island beach, at low tide, walk towards Island for 52 paces, turn to your left and walk another 19 paces, stop turn 160 degrees to your right, walk 2 paces and stop and dig!
There found it ?.
Report abuse
@PJG
I only say will because at heart I believe that justice will be seen to be done and the criminals in this case (the States of Jersey Police) will get their comeuppance.
I believe in the Justice System and that it will triumph despite the best efforts of those who are employed to enforce it.
What did Warren actually do? Investigate the possibility of bringing a small percentage of the amount of cannabis that is shipped in weekly.
That is provide goods for which there is a ready and constant demand from Jersey people who use it as a means of escaping the reality of living in a Police State.
Why is he number one on interpol’s list? because he MAY have some money that some cash strapped government can take from him.
Warren will walk out of prison, unless some prison guard takes a murderous dislike to him of course, of that much I am sure. I am also sure he will walk out with a sizeable legitimate sum of money.
Truth is he saw the Jersey Police coming and has shown them for what they are, over paid amateurs. No wonder he is so cocky.
It’s easy to be cocky when you’re right.
Report abuse
@31
I don’t really care what happens to Warren.
I’m concerned with making sure that Jersey is called to task for it’s lackadaisical attitude. It’s time someone told them that they are out of order and to shape up.
I’m delighted that it will be the UK’s responsibility to enforce change upon us and if not the UK will face the sanction of it’s equals in Europe.
Thanks to Frank Walker we now have a written constitution which clearly states that the UK can tell Jersey what to change its laws to (after a period, undefined in length so maybe 5 minutes, of due consultation of course).
If it is Warren that brings all this about then he won’t be all bad in my book.
Report abuse
I think the main point we can conclude is that if we legalised drugs (let’s face it the majority of illegal drugs are much less dangerous than alcohol) and they were controlled by the state, we would not have this stupid unwinnable Drug War, and people like Curtis Warren would have never set foot on the Island!
Of course that will never happen because evidence has never come into the drug debate! So lets keep treating our young people like criminals when they start experimenting won’t we, a method a lot more likely to ruin their lives than the drugs ever will!
Report abuse
“Warren will walk out of prison, unless some prison guard takes a murderous dislike to him of course”
You really do appear to have a problem with police and prison guards, speeding was it? Or no windscreen insurance disc?
Please be very careful when you are at the receiving end of a good kicking (I say “when” because if you don’t take your rose tinted spectacles off and carry on belittling career criminals and their actions you will end up in their company without recognizing what bad people they really are, and that’s the sort of thing they do (kicking’s), often, most of them anyway).
Now police and prison guards (the vast majority in my experience) will be the ones who will step in and prevent you ending up dead, in a pool of blood like Kemal Guclu (remember him, Warrens shyster lawyers got the murder by kicking him to a bloody pulp reduced to manslaughter on a technicality) Bet you’d be proud of that justice EH.
The only problem I can see is “you” won’t be able to tell them apart.
A clue, the police, prison Guards will be the one dragging the criminal off you, even if they do know who you are and your opinions of them.
If you do get it wrong and it goes teats up don’t worry the police will still go to your loved ones and explain why they are being let off even though your phone was recording the whole episode, you forget to get permission and no one would have the guts to proceed without that, would they?
Report abuse
JPG # 32. My advice is don’t feed the Trolls; it’s not good for one’s blood pressure, to get too worked up by the perverse views of a few on law enforcement.
If Mr. Warren succeeds in getting an appeal before the European Court of Human Rights, we will know for sure that the lunatics has taken over the asylum – time will tell.
What is more important an invasion of a conspiritor’s privacy, or the prevention of drugs entering the island?
If we just roll over an accept the views of some, that we should legalise drugs, it will be like opening up Pandora’s box – we have enough dopey individuals wandering around as it is. We have enough problems with the high incidence of alcoholism without adding to the island’s health problems.
A new 10-year long study, published last month, has found that the use of cannabis leads to development of psychotic symptoms in teenagers and young adults – if that’s what everyone wants I’ll be surprised.
Report abuse
The head of the UK drug department was fired to say that cannabis is not as harmful as alcohol and cigarettes.
That must tell you something.
Cannabis cannot kill ( unless you have a big lump of it falling on your head).
The problem is people who want to get some, have to go and see some Warren like. And these scum bags normally have more than cannabis: class A drugs if not weapons.
The 1 st prescription (cannabis spray) has just arrive in the island (as medication) so it can’t be that bad.
There is more Coffee shops in California than Starbucks at the moment. Shame we don’t have a Schwarzenegger for our next election. Anyway, they call it medicating over there.
I would rather see the States making money on cannabis sales than seeing some bloody Warren s like driving fancy sport cars.
But we are on Planet Jersey, as we weren’t allowed to dance on Sundays 15 years ago, I can’t imagine when things are going to go forward. Looking at all the cock up from the police and the states, the wrong decisions and their so old fashion way to do things…
Report abuse
What is more important abiding by the law or breaking it to get a desired result?
If this is allowed will “fitting up” be next?
Answers if anyone’s up for it!
As for cannabis it isn’t as bad as made out by the authorities and is less damaging than smoking or excess alcohol intake. However the later two are perfectly acceptable to the authorities and society for some reason.
Report abuse
This is an interesting case however the Jersey authorities have to take their head out of the sand. Just going after the proceeds of crime will not resolve the problems associated with drugs. Instead of that they should start investigating the root causes of the endemic drug problem. Merely placing addicts and dealers in jail is not an effective solution. For one thing, they will not learn the skills to avoid relapse and, for another, the situation will continue unabated because the root causes still remain entrenched in the social structure.
It is important to realize that the youth are a product of our society. Obviously, we cannot deny that as individuals they have a responsibility for their action but, at the same time, we cannot discount the influence of society on a general trend of behaviour. If addiction were purely the fault of the individual, then logically we should find an equal number of addicts in every country. But, this is not the case. New York and London, for example, have much higher rates of addiction than, say, Taipei or Tokyo. Therefore, we can deduce that society has an influence on an individual’s behaviour. As such, we need to accept that we are partly to blame for the high incidences of addiction in our communities and consequently have a responsibility to correct the situation.
Even a farmer will know to investigate the soil if his crop consistently fails. Yet, successive UK governments fail to look at the ‘soil’ that our youth are raised. Instead, they focus only on banning the drug and jailing the abuser. Instead, we should be asking ourselves whether we are establishing an environment that is conducive to the development of well adjusted, kind hearted and content individuals or are we creating a system that produces disconnected and selfish ones. If the latter, then we are laying the ground for addiction to flourish. Let’s stop kidding ourselves and attributing the blame to others. Instead, we need to take an honest look at ourselves and our society. Only then can fundamental and positive changes be made.
Report abuse