Commonwealth v. Fourteen Thousand Two Hundred Dollars

Twelve years ago, this court stated in regard to forfeiture proceedings under G. L. c. 94C, § 47, that, “[forfeiture is punitive because it results in total loss of the property. But it is often also remedial, for . . . it restrains further illegal use of the forfeited item.” (Footnote omitted.) Commonwealth v. One 1972 Chevrolet Van, 385 Mass. 198, 201 (1982). Going on to explain the matter the court stated: “[T]he forfeiture of a motor vehicle not particularly adapted for use in criminal activity ... is unlike forfeiture of either (a) items, such as drugs, which are the subject matter of…