Alleged 'drug deal' proceeds frozen

A number of assets including a luxury house allegedly bought with the proceeds of drug dealing have been frozen by the Assets Recovery Agency.

The allegations were made in papers lodged at the High Court in Belfast claiming that the property in Coleraine, which includes 10 acres of land and stables, were owned by Patrick Fleming and others and "had been bought and improved with the proceeds of Mr Fleming's illegal drug dealing".

It also said that the majority of these assets had been “purchased and held in the name of Valerie Hook”, but that the true owner was her son-in-law Patrick Fleming.

An equestrian exercise arena, Nissan jeep, 15 horses and a horsebox were also seized in the operation which is estimated to be worth around £460,000, the agency said.

Commenting on today’s development, Security Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime Taskforce (OCTF), Ian Pearson, said it reinforced the message that organised crime would be tackled head on.

“This seizure demonstrates our commitment to putting organised criminals out of business,” Mr Pearson said. “Those who acquire wealth from preying on the most vulnerable members of our community will have their assets taken from them.

“We will continue to work relentlessly with our partner agencies to free society here from these criminals and their damaging activities,” he added.

(MB/SP)