A dealer who ran a drugs factory from the garage of a house in Broadstairs has been ordered to pay £33,000 – the value of the amphetamine recovered by police.
Ian Chamberlain, 42, formerly of Millmead Road, Margate, was arrested as part of an investigation by officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.
He admitted being concerned in the supply of amphetamine after more than 50kg of the class B drug was found in November 2016 in the garage of a house linked to him in Rumfields Road, Broadstairs. A stun gun was also found in his possession.
Ten packages of the drug had also been stored within a chest freezer in the garden while associated paraphernalia including disposable gloves, bowls, weighing scales and a food mixer were also discovered.
Chamberlain was jailed for three years and four months when he appeared at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday 2 February.
Chamberlain has now been ordered to pay £33,410 following a successful application by financial investigators using legislation under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
If he does not make the payment within three months then he will have a further 21 months added to his prison sentence.
Detective Chief Inspector Lee Morton said: “Each kilogram of the drugs seized in this case was worth hundreds of pounds so there can be little doubt that the production of this dangerous substance would have been an attractive financial proposition.
“However, it is likely Ian Chamberlain will now have to sell his house to afford the amount he has been ordered to pay by the court, so it is clear that crime is ultimately not worth it.
“Substances like amphetamine are illegal for a reason and that is because they pose a serious risk to the health of those who abuse them. Chamberlain played a major role in passing this risk onto others and is now not only serving a custodial sentence but has also taken a significant financial hit as well.
“The Proceeds of Crime Act is an invaluable piece of legislation that ensures offenders are not allowed to continue to reap the rewards of their illegal activities even after they are released from prison.”
Chamberlain’s hearing was held at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday 22 June.
