48-17 - Enjoining nuisances involving illegal drug transactions. - Virginia Statutes

§ 48-17. Enjoining nuisances involving illegal drug transactions.

The attorney for the Commonwealth, or any citizen of the county, city, ortown, where such a nuisance as is described in § 18.2-258 exists, may, inaddition to any other remedies and punishment, maintain a suit in equity inthe name of the Commonwealth to enjoin the same. The attorney for theCommonwealth shall not be required to prosecute any suit brought by a citizenunder this section. In every case where the bill charges, on the knowledge orbelief of the complainant, and is sworn to by two witnesses, that a nuisanceexists as described in § 18.2-258, a temporary injunction may be granted assoon as the bill is presented to the court provided reasonable notice hasbeen given. The injunction shall enjoin and restrain any owners, tenants,their agents, employees, and any other person from contributing to ormaintaining the nuisance and may impose such other requirements as the courtdeems appropriate. If, after a hearing, the court finds that the materialallegations of the bill are true, although the premises complained of may notthen be unlawfully used, it shall continue the injunction against suchpersons or premises for such period of time as it deems appropriate, with theright to dissolve the injunction upon a proper showing by the owner of thepremises.

(2004, c. 462.)