She was imprisoned in October of last year after a criminal investigation.
Following an investigation by specialist financial investigators from the Economic Crime Unit (ECU), the cash, drugs, and items confiscated were forfeited in a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing.
Varns, 61, formerly of Cheviot Road, Salvington, was driving in a van when she was stopped by officers from West Sussex’s Tactical Enforcement Unit on June 10, 2020.
Officers discovered her in possession of £19,000 in cash and a small amount of amphetamine in her handbag.
Police searched her home and seized an additional £33,000 in cash.
They also discovered cannabis and amphetamines worth more than £68,000, as well as over 3,000 cosmetic and clothing items with tags still attached.
None of the items could be proven to have been purchased legally.
Varns was sentenced for the offences on October 28 last year at Lewes Crown Court.
On May 23, her case under the Proceeds of Crime Act was heard at the same court, and it was revealed that she had profited from the criminal property to the tune of more than £166,000.
The court determined she had recoverable assets worth £103,189.51, which were forfeited under a confiscation order.
This was a complex investigation involving frontline officers, Worthing CID, and financial investigators,” said Detective Inspector Mark O Brien of the ECU after the case.
It demonstrates our determination to pursue every available avenue not only to apprehend criminals involved in drug and theft offences, but also to deny them the benefits of their illegality.
Varns pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cannabis, amphetamine possession with intent to supply, and two counts of criminal property possession.” She was sentenced to nine months in prison.
On the 23rd of May 2022, a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing was held at Lewes Crown Court, and she was found to have benefited to the tune of £166,400.67, with assets available to pay £103,189.51.” This is due within six months.
“The available amount is made up of seized cash, her vehicle, bank account balances, and the seized items.”
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