20/12/2013

Drug Dealer Ordered To Repay £23k

A 27-year-old man sentenced to prison earlier this year for drug dealing has been ordered to repay more than £23,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Joseph Leslie Pitts, 27, of Sparrows Lane, Eltham, was issued with a Confiscation Order for £23,567 yesterday, 16 December, at Woolwich Crown Court, which he is required to pay within 28 days or face serving a term of imprisonment.

On 30 August 2011 Mr Pitts was stopped in his car by police in Sidcup and was found with a small bag containing cannabis.

The vehicle was searched and officers discovered a further 17 small self-seal bags containing just over 25 grams of cannabis.

He was arrested for possession with intent to supply class B drugs and another bag of cannabis was later found hidden in his clothing when he was searched at the police station.

Police carried out a search at Pitts’ home address in Eltham and 14 self seal bags containing 19 grams of cannabis were found, along with other drugs paraphernalia.

Officers also found a stun gun disguised as a mobile phone and seized £23,280 in cash after it was found inside a safe that was hidden in a dishwasher in his kitchen.

Detective Sergeant Michael McElroy from the MPS Criminal Finance Team said: "This case has been lengthy and difficult, but meticulous investigation has ensured justice has been done. Pitts denied the money was his and produced witnesses whom he claimed the money belonged to - but their evidence was not found to be credible.

"The Criminal Finance Team, working closely with local officers, will rigorously use the Proceeds of Crime legislation to ensure that drug dealers and other criminals are not allowed to enjoy the fruits of their illegal labour."

(IT)

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