Acrefair man ordered to surrender £33k under Proceeds of Crime Act

An Acrefair man jailed for five years for money laundering and drug dealing has been ordered to forfeit more than £33,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

North Wales Police made the application for a forfeiture under the Act against 30-year-old Lewis Jay Richards, who was jailed in June 2017.

The hearing was held at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday 17th August, with a forfeiture of £33,483.26 granted.

The successful application followed two Misuse of Drugs Act warrants executed on March 10th and then 15th May, 2017 at Richards’ home address in Acrefair.

During the first raid officers seized a quantity of cannabis valued at £6,730.00 and £7,173.62 in cash.

The second warrant in May saw the seizure of approximately 3.8kg of cannabis resin and a quantity of cocaine with a street value between £20,370.00 and £22,680.00.

In addition cash to the value of £26,309.64 was also recovered.

Richards was subsequently charged and remanded in custody. On Friday 16th June 2017 he pleaded guilty to Money Laundering, Possession with intent to supply Cocaine, cannabis and MDMA and received five years imprisonment.

Detective Constable Helen Phillips of North Wales Police Financial Investigation Unit said: ‘We want to send a message to those involved in drug trafficking offences that we will take their assets from them.

“However we need assistance from our communities to bring these people to justice in the first instance. Any information will be taken seriously and appropriate action taken.

“This is another example of how under Operation Scorpion North Wales Police will actively pursue criminals and use powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act to strip offenders of any property, including their homes, cars and cash they possess.’

Anyone who may information relating to drugs offences is urged to call North Wales Police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Alternatively, you can contact the control room direct via the new web live chat http://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/chat-support.aspx