A drug dealer jailed for his part in a £1.6million cocaine operation in the north-east of Scotland has been ordered to pay back almost £190,000.
Steven Gribble, 44, was jailed for ten years at the High Court in Glasgow in June 2024 after pleading guilty to his role in serious organised crime.
Police operation and arrest
It comes after more than £1.6m worth of the class A drug was recovered during an intelligence-led operation and a search of a property in Aberdeen during October and November 2023. Police Scotland confirmed a number of specialist units were deployed during the operation, including surveillance officers and other covert resources.
The 44-year-old from Aberdeen was later identified as having criminal links to the owner of that property.
Court order and future seizures
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, under Proceeds of Crime laws, the court ordered Gribble to pay back £189,038 after noting that he earned the sum of £1,710,000 from his crimes.
The Crown also underlined that it has the power to extend orders to seize money and assets Gribble acquires in the future to pay back the full amount he made from his crimes.
Sineidin Corrins, Procurator Fiscal at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said: "Proceeds of Crime orders are a vital tool to disrupt crime in Scotland and one of the many ways we can target those who try to profit from illegal activity."
"We will not stop at prosecution. Even after convictions are secured, the Crown will apply to the court to pursue orders to ensure funds obtained illegally are confiscated. The money recovered is reinvested into our communities through the Cashback for Communities programme."
Gang links and evidence
During an earlier hearing, the court heard that Gribble had been pinpointed as having a controlling interest in a Serious Organised Crime gang operating in the north-east.
He was arrested after a number of phones seized from known criminal associates linked him to the supply and sale of Class A drugs in the region.
During the search of his house, police also recovered several mobile telephones, laptops and electronic devices and a tick list which was found within his partner’s jacket.
Speaking at the time, Detective Inspector John Pirie said: "We remain committed to disrupting those involved in serious and organised crime. This sentence is a result of months of extensive work to dismantle supply lines."
"A number of specialist officers were deployed during the operation, including surveillance officers and other covert resources. This investigation underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy."
"I want to reassure the public that day in day out officers are working hard to disrupt the sale and supply of illegal drugs. To those involved in serious and organised crime, we will target you and your associates."
