A DRUG dealer whose peddling of cannabis saw him make more than £24,000 has been ordered to pay back just under £650.

Christopher Morgan, 31, of Penygroes Close, Penyrheol, Caerphilly, was jailed for 20 months by Tom Crowther QC at Merthyr Crown Court in April.

He had pleaded guilty to the production of cannabis after 30 plants were found at his home and also admitted possessing the drug with intent to supply.

At a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at Newport Crown Court, Judge Christopher Vosper QC heard how Morgan had benefitted from his drug dealing by £24,204.99.

He was told to pay back £644.

Morgan was jailed in April with four other defendants from the Caerphilly area.

One, a gifted 22-year-old student, who achieved three As at A-levels and studied law and criminology at university, was jailed for 15 months along with her drug dealing boyfriend, aged 27, who was given a seven-year prison sentence.

When police raided her home they found £50,000 worth of jewellery and designer clothing from luxury brands like Rolex, Gucci, Cartier and Vivienne Westwood.

She admitted acquiring criminal property while he admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine and fraud.

A fourth defendant, aged 28, from Llanbradach, admitted supplying cocaine and the production of cannabis after police found 12 plants in his home and was jailed for five years.

The last defendant, 25, also admitted acquiring criminal property and was sentenced to a community order to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.