Thomas Groves, a drug dealer caught with cocaine hidden in his underwear, has been ordered to pay back more than £28,000 of his criminal gains.
The 37-year-old father was arrested in April 2022 after police stopped a car in Carmarthen and searched the driver and the vehicle. Officers found a bag containing 19.5g of cocaine worth more than £11,000 in his underwear.
Sentencing and investigation
In January this year, the former Hinkley Point nuclear power station worker was sentenced to 27 months in prison for possession of cocaine with intent to supply. The judge noted the "inexcusable" delay in the case coming to court.
Following sentencing, an investigation was launched into Groves's finances. The case returned to Swansea Crown Court this month for a proceeds of crime hearing.
Confiscation order
The court heard Groves, of Whitlow, Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire, had benefited from his criminal conduct to the tune of £28,132. Investigators identified available assets totalling £62,779.
Judge Huw Rees made a confiscation order in the benefit amount and gave the defendant three months to pay in full, with two months in prison in default.
