The AEA distrains properties from obligors who fail to pay fines for possessing or using Class 3 and Class 4 drugs in lieu of their arrears.

• Publication Date ： 2018-09-04
• Last updated：2019-07-18
• View count：1746

The AEA distrains properties from obligors who fail to pay fines for possessing or using Class 3 and Class 4 drugs in lieu of their arrears. The AEA of MOJ, responding to the Executive Yuan’s recent declaration of war on drugs as part of its efforts to effectively exercise public authority, has taken measures to raise the drug fines payment rate so that the government’s claim of debt can be secured. The agency launched three waves of compulsory execution against obligors possessing or using Class 3 and Class 4 drugs in May 2017. It continued the effort in 2018, tracking down the said obligors from Aug. 2 through Aug. 16. On Aug. 16, 13 branches of the AEA across the country took action at the same time. The action was directed against top 50 obligors in the country in terms of arrears they owed the AEA and top 10 obligors in each AEA branch’s area of responsibility in terms of arrears they owed the branch. Agents of the AEA branches, accompanied by local police, took concrete steps ranging from efforts to persuade the targeted obligors at their abodes, attaching their properties to sealing up their real estate and movable properties. The joint action by the AEA branches across the country resulted in seizures of NT$16.09 million in cash, 12 cars and other properties belonging to the targeted obligors, and 99 pieces of real estate, marking a remarkable record. If people involved still fail to pay the arrears, the AEA will opt to auction off seized cars, real estate and movable properties. Among obligors with arrears owed to the Taoyuan branch, a man surnamed Huang was ranked number 1, owing NT$205,000 in fines. Through joint efforts by the Taoyuan branch and local police, an imported sedan in Huang’s name that was in good condition was seized. It is estimated that the car, if auctioned off, will settle his outstanding fines. Among obligors with arrears owed to the Kaohsiung branch, a woman surnamed Huang was ranked number 1, also owing NT$205,000 in fines. Agents of the branch did not meet Huang at her abode as launching the compulsory execution. Contacting Huang through her family members, the agents made her understand the branch’s position and strong determination to carry out the action. She agreed to pay the fines in installments. Paying NT$5,000-plus each month, she is expected to settle her outstanding fines eventually. The AEA of MOJ calls on the general public to stay away from drugs and resist the temptation to take drugs. Those who were found to have inadvertently possessed or used Class 3 and Class 4 drugs should attend lectures on the hazards of drugs and quit drug addiction accordingly. That is the most effective way to stay away from drugs. Please do not underestimate the government’s determination to do as mandated by law. Do not assume that there will no be no punishment for failing to pay fines for using drugs and possible arrears therefrom. Obligors involved in drugs-related offences should take the initiative to pay fines. Paying in installments is an option for those who have financial difficulties. Failure to pay fines is punishable by seizures of bank accounts, salaries, share certificates, movable properties and real state. If necessary, enforcement action in the form of restriction from leaving the ROC, arrest or custody may be taken. Extra execution expenses that may occur in the process will be at the obligors’ expense. It is hoped that the successive waves of compulsory execution launched since last year will help win the war on drugs and curb drug abuse. We are making a contribution to augment the government’s resolution in fighting drugs.