GANG leaders responsible for supplying cocaine in Cumbria have been ordered to pay back the proceeds of their crimes.

In June 2016 the gang were sentenced to over 20 years in total as part of an operation led by detectives from Cumbria Police.

Carlisle Crown Court heard that the gang were responsible for supplying over £19,000 worth of cocaine between December 2015 and February 2016. Police believe that due to their extensive financial gain they had been supplying cocaine for much longer.

At a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing today, 6th January 2017, action was taken to remove from them the profits of their crimes.

John Proudfoot, aged 33, from Ravenstone Way, Carlisle, benefited to the tune of £112,771.40 and was ordered to pay back £36,430. If he fails to pay this amount by 30th June 2017 he faces a default prison sentence of six months.

The case of Proudfoot’s co-accused Steven McNeil, aged 32, from Burnrigg, Carlisle was dealt with at an earlier hearing on the 21st October 2016.

He benefited to the tune of £88,773.40 and was ordered to pay back £67,344.53. If he fails to pay this amount within three months he faces a default prison sentence of 18 months.

Detective Inspector Dave Cooper said: “We are dedicated in removing drugs from the streets of Cumbria.

“McNeil and Proudfoot believed that they were able to bring large quantities of cocaine into Carlisle and get away with it. This was not the case.

“Information from the public and police investigation means that all criminals should be aware that someone is always watching and eventually we will catch you.

“Bringing criminals before the court for their crimes is not the end of the case.

“From the start, their finances are being examined to establish how much they have benefitted from their criminal activity with the aim to recover their realisable assets.

“The proceeds of crime legislation provides police with the ability to hurt criminals where it matters the most, in their pocket.”