A Burnham-On-Sea man who has been convicted of drug dealing has had thousands of pounds confiscated by police.
The 41-year-old from the town has been forced to hand over £3,400 under powers given to officers through the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Chief Constable Colin Port told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Avon and Somerset police are committed to ensuring that crime does not pay. It is unacceptable that anyone who breaks the law, targets the vulnerable or participates in violent and illegal behaviour, should benefit.”
“We will be relentless in making sure that criminals do not profit from their illegal activity. This is an integral part of our and that of our partner agencies’ attack on serious organised crime. This should send a clear message that criminals will not be at liberty to enjoy the proceeds of their criminal conduct, which often come at a huge cost to the wellbeing of our communities, families and children.”
Once an offender has been convicted, police and the courts can investigate their finances and asses how much the offender has acquired through their criminal activity. The courts then impose an order forcing the offender to pay the sum within a certain period of time using any property, finance or assets they hold.
If the offender does not pay they can be sent to prison by magistrates, with the length of their sentence being dependent on how much they owe.
