A DRUG dealer who accidentally stabbed himself while trying to dispose of cocaine by throwing it from a car window, must pay back almost £30,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

Twenty-six year-old Jerome Nunes is serving a prison sentence of seven years and eight months, handed down last February after he pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

The POCA hearing at Newport Crown Court was told that following investigations, Nunes’ declared benefit from his crime had been agreed at £152, 646.31.

Also agreed was that he has available assets to pay back of £29,742.49.

Judge Daniel Williams ordered that Nunes pay back the latter sum by December 21, with a further 12 months in prison to be imposed in default of payment.

An application for Nunes to become subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order will be considered on October 20.

Such an order - imposable under the Serious Crime Act 2007 - is intended to protect the public by preventing, restricting or disrupting future involvement by its subject in serious crime.

Nunes’ original offence stemmed from an incident that began in Cwmbran on August 8 last year.

Also involved was David Perry, previously of Newport, who pleaded guilty to possession of class A drugs with intent to supply, and to dangerous driving.

He is currently serving a total of eight years and six months in prison, having been convicted on the same day as Nunes.

The pair - in a Seat Leon car - and a third man, in an Audi, were seen parked close together in Llantarnam Road, Cwmbran, the other man emerging moments later carrying a rucksack and a bag.

A police officer in an unmarked car who saw the meeting, followed Nunes and Perry but after he flashed his lights, they sped off after reversing into the police car.

During their attempt to escape, Nunes was seen throwing white powder from the car, while driver Perry was jumping red lights and generally driving dangerously.

It was later discovered that during his attempts to open bags and dispose of the drugs, Nunes accidentally stabbed his thigh with a knife. The pair were tracked to the NP19 Tyres garage on Cromwell Road, Newport, owned by Nunes, and were subsequently arrested.

Police recovered up to 832 grams of cocaine that was between 88 and 99 per cent pure - but it was only a fraction of the full amount.