A convicted drug dealer must pay back more than £200,000 after a successful Proceeds of Crime (POCA) application by officers from our Economic Crime Unit.
Lee Whiteley anged 35 admitted conspiracy to supply class B drugs and the cultivation of cannabis in November 2023.
Whiteley, of Alkrington Road North, Middleton, received a suspended prison sentence but must now repay £218,443 believed to have derived from his crimes – significantly more than the £3,800 presented at the original court case.
The confiscation order was made at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court this week.
During the Proceeds of Crime investigation, a number of items were seized including a vintage Ford Cosworth valued at £90,000, a Transit van worth £50,000 and a £3,000 electric bike.
The money will be used to benefit our communities through the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS).
Police successfully proved three houses he had bought had been funded from his criminal proceeds – if he doesn’t pay back the money within three months, he faces three years in prison.
Financial Investigator Kelly Belfield said: “This case highlights that crime doesn’t pay and we will come after criminals and take their ill-gotten gains.
“The case is unusual as Whiteley was only convicted of benefiting from £3,800 from his drugs business.
“However, using Proceeds of Crime legislation and carrying out a confiscation investigation, I have managed to bring this figure up to £218,443, which is a huge increase and a great result.
“If Whiteley fails to pay the money within three months, then he will serve an extra three years in jail – and still have to sell his assets and pay using the proceeds.
“Reclaiming cash this way not only disrupts criminal activity but it also directly benefits communities across Greater Manchester.
“These funds will be reinvested into vital community programmes and services through our Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS) funding scheme.
“This cash recovery also highlights the strength of the Proceed of Crime Legislation and that we will continue to use it.”
