Christopher Scrivens (Image: Gwent Police)
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Christopher Scrivens, 39, of Bryn-Y-Gwynt, Ebbw Vale, was jailed for three years in October 2024 after admitting importation of cannabis and conspiracy to supply the drug.
Now a judge has ordered him to hand over £233,737 under the Proceeds of Crime Act – the full recoverable amount authorities could claw back from his assets.
The operation
Scrivens ran a scheme to bring cannabis from California into the UK for onward supply, purchasing around £136,000 worth of the class B substance weighing 15.8kg.
In one message to co-conspirators, he boasted he intended to “flood the Valleys with cannabis”.
Newport Crown Court heard his total criminal benefit was calculated at £475,178 – but the recoverable amount was less than half that figure.
The raid
When Gwent Police raided his Ebbw Vale property, officers had difficulty gaining entry due to high walls and gates. As they forced their way in, Scrivens was spotted clutching an iPhone.
Prosecutor Roger Griffiths said there was a “significant struggle” between Scrivens and a police officer who suffered an injury in the tussle.
Mr Griffiths said: “It was obvious why he didn’t want police to get it. It contained a lengthy history of drug dealing.”
The Banksy collection
Among the haul seized were works by the famous Bristolian street artist, including the Grappling Hook, Monkey Queen, and Watchtower Swing – together valued at more than £190,000.
Officers also recovered designer goods, a caravan, quad bikes, jet skis, and around £11,800 in cash.
The order
Judge Celia Hughes ordered Scrivens to pay the £233,737 within three months or face a further three years in prison.
