FOR THE first time in Fife an order which initiates the civil recovery of assets which are believed to be derived from crime was granted on Thursday.

The interim administration order was granted by the Court of Session against Thomas Brockie, of Ballingry, under the Civil Recovery Powers in the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Such orders can be sought against individuals who have not been convicted of an offence in a criminal court but who are believed to have profited from the proceeds of criminal activity.

Staff from the office of the interim administrator, with assistance of officers from Fife Constabulary searched Brockie’s home yesterday.

Detective Superintendent Ian Hutton of Fife Police said, “We welcome this order as another method of tackling profits made from the drug trade.

“Fife Police is pleased to have played a role in achieving this.”