A COCAINE dealer who profited by almost £200,000 has been ordered to pay back the ill gotten gains of his crime or face five more years in jail.

Darren Bennett, of Victoria Terrace, Georgetown Tredegar, is currently serving 52 months in custody after he was sentenced in Cardiff Crown Court by Recorder Gregory Treverton-Jones QC in September last year.

The 36-year-old had pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of 1.6kg of cocaine worth £225,000.

Speaking outside the court after his sentencing, investigating officer Detective Inspector Tuck said: “This has been a lengthy and complex investigation into an organised crime group.

“The investigation team has worked tirelessly to gather significant evidence against Bennett which now reflects in his guilty plea and prison sentence.”

On Friday, January 4, Bennett was back before a judge who ordered him to pay back £17,056 from a series of bank accounts.

Newport Crown Court heard that the total value of his dealing amounted to £197,587.58 , taking into account the volume of drugs seized, unidentified credit accounts and other accounts.

Rebecca Griffiths, appearing on behalf of the crown, said: “The available amount is in terms of cash seized by police and cash in the accounts. The total amount is £17,056.29 .

“The money isn’t all in the hands of the police. The cash in the accounts is just over £10,000.

“A restrain order was made in June last year on the accounts.”

Judge Christopher Vosper QC told the court he would make a confiscation order of exhibits from Bennet’s case.

“The benefit that the defendant has accrued is £197,587.58 ,” confirmed Judge Vosper.

“A confiscation order will be made in the sum of £17,056.29 .

“If there is a default in payment the term will be five years imprisonment.

“The date of payment will be January 25, 2019, after which interest will accrue.”

Addressing the defendant, Judge Vosper added: “You will have to pay this money back in three weeks of this date.

“You will have to provide a signature if it’s required. If you default it will mean five years imprisonment.”