Convicted Leeds dealer ordered to pay back nearly £400,000 from drugs empire
A drug dealer has been told pay back almost £400,000 of ill-gotten gains, or risk more prison time.
Curtis Clark was jailed for more than six years last year, and a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing was held at Leeds Crown Court this week.
It was agreed that Clark should pay back £393,363 within the next three months, or risk another four years behind bars.
Curtis was sentenced to 65 months imprisonment in August last year after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs and money laundering.
He was linked to an organised crime group who had control of a drug-dealing line responsible for the sale of large quantities of illegal substances throughout Leeds and West Yorkshire.
His arrest followed search warrants being executed in November 2024 at his home address in the Whitkirk area of Leeds and other premises he had control over.
During these searches in excess of £270,000 in cash, two vehicles, a large amount of designer clothing and three Rolex watches valued at £100k were all recovered.
Detective Inspector Alastair Nicholls said: “Organised criminality is a blight on our communities, with individuals like Curtis preying on the vulnerability of others for their own gain.
“When Curtis was sentenced, the court heard how he ‘loved the lifestyle’ with his Rolexes and fast cars. This POCA hearing has ensured that on his release from prison, he will not be returning to that lifestyle.
“Instead, his assets will be sold and the money recovered will go towards projects to disrupt criminality and build communities.
“I hope this action sends the message that if you are profiting from crime then we will not only look to arrest and charge you, but we will also use all available powers to strip you of any wealth you have gained from your illegal activities.”