A Newport drug dealer has been ordered to repay £4,363 of his ill-gotten gains, despite making over £10,000 from his criminal activities.
Harry Cook, 29, was caught with 128g of cocaine at a hotel in Usk, along with nearly £2,400 in cash. Despite denying ownership of the Seat Cupra where the drugs were found, CCTV footage showed him driving the vehicle into the hotel car park.
Cook, formerly of Cumberland Road, has been sentenced to 2,045 days in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including possession of cocaine with intent to supply. His criminal record includes 13 previous convictions for 39 offences.
Gwent Police staff investigator Rachel Hines said: “He clearly thought he was untouchable; and by supplying these drugs he is helping to perpetuate vicious cycles of misery on our communities as we know that the supply of drugs often is a direct cause to other types of offending. Illegal drugs have no place in our society, and we will continue to target those involved in these activities as shown by our work to bring Cook before the courts to face justice.”
The Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at Cardiff Crown Court ruled that Cook must pay the sum within a specified period or face an additional three months behind bars. 💷
