A convicted Cynon Valley drug dealer has been forced to hand over his prized quad bike under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Earlier this year Jonathon Owens, 37, admitted two charges of possession of amphetamine with intent to supply and was sentenced to four years in prison in April 2010.
Now, following a financial investigation by South Wales Police, a confiscation order of £33,000 has been made under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
His quad bike and motorbike have both been seized to be sold in order to help pay off this amount.
Detective Inspector Andrew Griffiths, from Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff Police, said: “Jonathon Owens was most upset when his quad bike was taken off him.
“He said he had only bought it a couple of days earlier but unfortunately these are the consequences for those who chose to commit crime and deal drugs.”
Owens, of North View Terrace, Aberdare, admitted to possession amphetamine worth £3,300 but force financial investigators were able to calculate that a six-year personal drug habit, which he had previously admitted to, would have cost him £27,200.
Taking into consideration other items, such as the quad bike and £2,000 cash, Merthyr Crown Court, agreed on Friday, July 30 that the overall figure that he had benefited from and therefore must pay back is £33,000.
DI Griffiths added: “All Proceeds of Crime cases are reviewed annually which means that if the individuals concerned come into money, win the lottery or gain inheritance such as a house, they will be brought back to court until the full amount is paid.
“I have a team of experienced detectives who work tirelessly to ensure that criminal assets are seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
“Therefore the message is simple – if you want to keep hold of your possessions don’t commit crime.”
