The head of a drug dealing gang has been ordered to repay more than £80,000 of his ill-gotten gains – or face prison.

James Smith, 27, of Orchard Drive, St Albans, was jailed for nine years in November 2017 for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and possessing criminal property.

Following an investigation, officers made a Proceeds of Crime Act confiscation order to the sum of £82,548 against Smith at a hearing at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday (June 13).

He must pay the money within three months or face a further two year sentence.

Smith’s co-offender Gary Ross, 48 of Black Boy Wood, Bricket Wood, who was jailed for six-and-a-half years for his part in the drug dealing business, was made subject to a POCA order to the value of £3,486.

He was given 28 days to pay it or face a further two months in prison.

Cars, watches, designer clothing and phones owned by the pair are to be sold in order to satisfy the order.

Paul Fitzsimmons, the Eastern Region Special Operation Unit’s (ERSOU) financial investigation manager, said: “These drug dealers made a substantial amount of money through their illegal business so it is only right that they are made to pay for their actions and return their ill-gotten gains.

“We’re pleased with the orders made against them and we will continue to take action against convicted criminals to prove that crime really does not pay.”