The British government is seeking to take control of the properties in Jamaica which are owned by 55-year-old Jamaican businessman Norman Ramcharan.

Ramcharan, who was one of Jamaica's most sought-after criminals, was jailed in London in November 2004 for laundering 1.7 million pound sterling from the proceeds of cocaine trafficking. He was sentenced to seven and a half years after he pleaded guilty to the charges.

Paula Llewellyn, director of public prosecutions (DPP), has applied for forfeiture orders on behalf of the British government.

The matter came for hearing in the Supreme Court on Thursday but has been put off until December 4.

Lawyers from the DPP's office and lawyers representing Ramcharan said they needed more time to discuss the matter.

The forfeiture order is being made under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Ramcharan operated several businesses in Jamaica, including fishing, lumber and hardware.

Ramcharan, who is from Montego Bay, is the brother of Montego Bay businessman Leebert Ramcharan who is serving a 35-year prison sentence in the United States for drug trafficking.