Drug Dealer Jailed and Stripped of £103k in Assets
A 61-year-old woman caught with cash, drugs, and stolen goods has been locked up and forced to hand over more than £100,000 in ill-gotten gains.
Van Stop Leads to Huge Haul
Varns, formerly of Cheviot Road, Salvington, was pulled over by West Sussex’s Tactical Enforcement Unit on June 10, 2020. Officers found £19,000 in cash and amphetamines in her handbag.
Police then raided her home, uncovering £33,000 more cash, cannabis and amphetamines worth over £68,000, and more than 3,000 tagged cosmetic and clothing items—all suspected stolen or illegally obtained.
Jail Time and Cash Confiscation
After a thorough investigation by the Economic Crime Unit (ECU), Varns was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on October 28 last year. She pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cannabis and amphetamines, plus two counts of criminal property possession, earning nine months behind bars.
In a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing on May 23, the court revealed she benefited to the tune of £166,400.67 from her crimes. Assets worth £103,189.51, including seized cash, her van, bank balances, and other items, were confiscated. The sum must be paid within six months.
Police Vow to Crush Crime Profits
“This complex operation involving frontline officers, Worthing CID, and financial investigators shows we are relentless in going after criminals and stripping them of their illegal gains,” said Detective Inspector Mark O’Brien of the ECU.
Varns’ case sends a clear message: crime doesn’t pay, and the law will chase every penny earned illegally.
