Thousands of pounds worth of antiques, amassed from the profits of a convicted drug dealer, are being auctioned off by police in Sheffield. Philip Meadows, 70, was jailed for nine-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs at Doncaster Crown Court.
Meadows made more than £500,000 from his criminal activities, and a confiscation order was made under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Among the items being sold are two 18-carat gold Breguet watches, part of a collection of some 100 antiques.
Police arrested Meadows and a co-accused at Redhouse interchange in Doncaster on 5 September 2007, finding them in possession of three kilos of cocaine with a street value of £148,000. The confiscation hearing last March determined that Meadows had made £520,385.81 from crime, but currently only has assets worth £325,780.81.
Graham Wragg, head of South Yorkshire Police's Economic Crime Unit, stated: 'No legitimate form of income could be identified for Meadows... it is suspected that he supported his lifestyle from the supply of drugs.' He added that there is no suggestion the items were stolen, but rather represent how Meadows chose to spend his criminal profits.
Proceeds from the auction will benefit local people and causes through the South Yorkshire Community Foundation.
