Drug Dealer Jailed and Stripped of £103k in Police Crackdown
Caught Red-Handed with Cash and Drugs
Varns, 61, from Salvington, was nabbed during a van stop by West Sussex’s Tactical Enforcement Unit on June 10, 2020. Officers found £19,000 in cash and amphetamines hidden in her handbag.
Massive Haul Seized from Her Home
A police search of Varns’ house uncovered another £33,000 in cash. Drugs worth over £68,000 were also seized, including cannabis and amphetamines. Plus, more than 3,000 tagged cosmetic and clothing items were found — none could be proven to be bought legally.
Sentenced and Stripped of Assets
Varns pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court last October to possession with intent to supply cannabis and amphetamines, plus criminal property offences. She was jailed for nine months.
£103k Seized Under Proceeds of Crime Act
On May 23 this year, a hearing revealed she’d profited over £166,000 from her crimes. The court ordered £103,189.51 in assets confiscated, including cash, her vehicle, bank balances, and the seized goods. This sum must be paid within six months.
“This case shows our commitment to not just catching criminals involved in drugs and theft, but also making sure they don’t profit from their crimes,” said Detective Inspector Mark O’Brien of the Economic Crime Unit.
