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Successful confiscation order

Northumbria Police

2 November 2010


Police in Gateshead have scored another winning result in Hornet – the operation that last year successfully disrupted the supply of illegal drugs in the Birtley area.
This week officers made a successful application at Newcastle Crown Court for the forfeiture of cash seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act against Michael Ritchie, aged 72 of Lomond Close, Washington following his conviction of supplying cannabis earlier this year.   Ritchie was ordered to pay £64,754 within six months or he will serve an 18 month prison sentence.
Under the Proceeds of Crime Act police can seize any cash or goods if they are believed to be criminal property or being used to commit crime. The money recovered in this instance is believed to be the proceeds of drugs-related offences.
Inspector Scott Hall, from the Gateshead South Neighbourhood Policing Team, added: "This is an excellent result for us, and a demonstration of our continued commitment to removing the proceeds of crime from the hands of criminals.
"Operation Hornet has had a positive impact on the community. It led to nine offenders serving custodial sentences totalling nearly 40 years.
"Since the crackdown in the area last year, drug related crime in the Birtley area has dropped and confidence in police continues to improve.
"Birtley residents have always been very supportive towards police and we continue to work with them to make sure we listen and respond to their concerns."