Drug dealer ordered to pay back nearly £400,000 or face additional jail term in Leeds Crown Court hearing
A convicted drug dealer has been ordered to pay back nearly £400,000 or face an additional jail term in a hearing at Leeds Crown Court.
Curtis Clark, 25, was sentenced to 65 months imprisonment in August last year after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs and money laundering.
He was linked to an organised crime group who had control of a drug dealing line responsible for the sale of large quantities of drugs throughout Leeds and West Yorkshire.
A Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing was held at Leeds Crown Court yesterday (February 2) and Clark was ordered to pay back £393,363.77 within three months of face a further four years in prison.
His arrest followed search warrants being executed in November 2024 at his home address in the Whitkirk area of Leeds and other premises he had control over.
During these searches, in excess of £270,000 in cash, two motor vehicles, a large amount of designer clothing and three Rolex watches valued at £100,000 were all recovered.
Detective Inspector Alistair Nicholls said: “Organised criminality is a blight on our communities, with individuals like Curtis preying on the vulnerability of others for their own gain.
“When Curtis was sentenced, the court heard how he ‘loved the lifestyle’ with his Rolexes and fast cars. This POCA hearing has ensured that on his release from prison, he will not be returning to that lifestyle. Instead, his assets will be sold and the money recovered will go towards projects to disrupt criminality and build communities.
“I hope this action sends the message that if you are profiting from crime then we will not only look to arrest and charge you, but we will also use all available powers to strip you of any wealth you have gained from your illegal activities.”