He had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis
A convicted Maidstone drug dealer has been ordered to pay back almost £90,000 of ill-gotten gains. This followed a Proceeds of Crime Act investigation which found James Steel had significant available assets after he had been jailed for his role in supplying large amounts of class A and B drugs.
Steel was sentenced to eight years and four months’ imprisonment in December 2024. He had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to supply cannabis, possessing cannabis and possessing criminal property – namely seized cash.
Kent Police made an application to Maidstone Crown Court for a confiscation order after Steel and his criminal associates had been jailed. Financial investigators used powers within the Proceeds of Crime Act, which can be used to recover money and other valuable items that offenders have obtained from their criminal conduct.
It was determined on December 9 that Steel, 41, of Chartway Street, Sutton Valence, had benefited by a total of £674,180 as a result of his offending. It was identified he had £87,943 in cash and other assets available for confiscation.
This included more than £57,000 seized by police when Steel was arrested along with a speedboat, motorbikes and other vehicles. He has been given three months to pay or will have to serve an additional two years in prison.
Detective Inspector Dave Godfrey, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “Steel along with his co-conspirators were making a considerable profit from their criminal enterprise and it is pleasing the court has ordered the confiscation of money and other items of value he had accrued. The Proceeds of Crime Act continues to be an important tool in our efforts to target organised criminals and it comes with the sanction of additional time in prison if the full funds are not forthcoming.
“We can then continue to use the legislation should the offender come into possession of cash or other items of value at a later stage.”
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