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B.C. wants to seize 2 Metro Vancouver homes of alleged drug-smuggling gang boss

The British Columbia government has filed for civil forfeiture to seize two residences in the Metro Vancouver area linked to Ravinder Singh Dhanda, a figure described as a boss within a B.C. drug-trafficking network. The move comes in the wake of a broad international crackdown earlier this month that targeted three India-based organized crime groups.

According to the province’s filing, the two properties—located in White Rock and Surrey—are being pursued under civil forfeiture provisions, which allow the government to claim assets linked to illegal activity even without a criminal conviction. The government contends the properties are connected to Dhanda’s alleged role in facilitating drug trafficking operations.

Dhanda emerged as a principal target amid authorities’ coordinated actions against organized crime groups with ties to India. Officials have not specified the precise allegations against Dhanda beyond his designation as a leading figure in the network the crackdown targeted.

Details released by the ministry indicate the forfeiture bid seeks to strip the properties of their ownership status on the grounds that they were used to assist in criminal activity or generated proceeds from such activity. The properties, if forfeiture is approved, could be transferred to government ownership or used in other public purposes as determined by the court.

Neither Dhanda nor representatives for his alleged network have publicly commented on the civil-forfeiture filing. The case proceeds under provincial civil-law mechanisms, which differ from criminal prosecutions and do not require a criminal conviction to proceed.

Local officials say the action underscores ongoing efforts to dismantle assets tied to organized crime within the region. The White Rock property is described in the filing as a single-family residence featuring glass balconies and landscaping, while the Surrey property details have not been disclosed publicly.

Further updates are anticipated as the court reviews the forfeiture request, including any potential challenges from Dhanda or other parties with an interest in the properties.

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