The ringleader of a gang involved in the large-scale importation of cannabis has been ordered to pay back almost £2m following an investigation into his finances.

Christopher Rowe, 63, from Rickmanhill Road, Coulsdon, Surrey, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to money launder and conspiracy to supply cannabis and was sentenced to eight years and three months on 3 March 2009.

The proceeds of his criminal activity had funded a lavish lifestyle in which he owned five properties, a number of high value cars and a £240,000 motorboat. When he was arrested at his home on 28 March 2007, Rowe was in the process of trying to hide £268,000 in cash.

Following his trial, officers from the Middle Market Drugs Partnership's financial team investigated Rowe's assets, and a hearing at Kingston Crown Court, held under the Proceeds of Crime Act, today heard he made £7,989,879 from his career as a criminal.

As a result of the hearing, a Confiscation Order was made for £1,832,742, which Rowe must now repay to the public purse within six months.

Detective Inspector Gary Townsend from the Metropolitan Police's Serious and Organised Crime Command said: "On top of serving a substantial prison sentence, Rowe has been required to sell all his assets to pay this significant confiscation order, and it is only right that he should not be allowed to reap the benefits of his crimes."

Four men, including Rowe, were sentenced to a total 25 years imprisonment last year over a network that imported cannabis from Spain into Holland, and then exported through Rotterdam port into the UK.

Once here they were delivered to two farm buildings in East Sussex. James Williamson was in charge of storing the cannabis at these locations and then providing the drugs to customers who attended by appointment to pick up their order.

The appointments were arranged by Rowe. His second in command, Paul Webb was in charge of obtaining the farm premises and finding Williamson to run the "farms".

On 28 March 2007 Williamson was arrested in a lay-by in East Hoathly where he had 50kg of cannabis in the boot of his car that he was about to hand over to a customer, David Collinson. Searches of the farms found one ton of cannabis split between the two locations.

On the same day Rowe was arrested at his home address. He had nine mobiles in his pockets at the time and was trying to conceal £268k in cash as police went through the door of his house.

(PR/GK)