Luxury Watches Seized from Drug Dealer in £57k Crackdown
Kent Police have swooped on convicted drug dealer Michael Wheaton, confiscating luxury Rolex and Cartier watches as part of a £57,125 haul of criminal assets. Wheaton, 42, from Ditton, is serving an 11-year sentence for running a major cocaine supply ring.
From Cocaine Bust to Court Conviction
Wheaton was jailed in April 2024 after a lengthy Kent Police probe linked him to conspiracy to supply cocaine. The investigation kicked off in January 2019 when officers stopped a car on the M20 carrying 1.5kg of cocaine. More digging tied Wheaton to a burner phone topped up near his London Road home.
A raid on his property uncovered nearly £10,000 in cash hidden in a carrier bag. Despite his not guilty plea at Canterbury Crown Court, Wheaton was convicted after a tough trial.
Proceeds of Crime Act Used to Strip Off Criminal Wealth
Following the conviction, financial investigators launched a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). They uncovered evidence that Wheaton’s businesses were sham fronts for money laundering. On 20 March 2025, a court ruled Wheaton had assets worth £57,125 — including the seized luxury watches — all ordered to be handed over.
“The Proceeds of Crime Act remains one of our biggest weapons against those who fund a lifestyle from crime,” said Detective Chief Inspector Helen Smithers.
“It lets police claw back ill-gotten gains by seizing cash, cars and lavish homes. These powers mean criminals keep paying long after prison, and we can recover more assets if found later.”
Cracking Down on Crime’s Dirty Money
This case marks a major win for Kent Police’s ongoing fight to dismantle organised crime’s financial networks. It sends a loud message: crime doesn’t pay — and if you think it does, the law will come knocking.
Got info on criminal finances? Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
