A DRUG dealer has had his inheritance confiscated under Proceeds of Crime almost ten years after he was prosecuted.
David Rush, from Greenock, admitted dealing cocaine in April 2006, triggering a case to recoup illegal earnings.
Financial investigations by the Crown Office estimated he pocketed a total of £93.640.65 from drug dealing over the years, however his assets at that time were worth just £1,636.99 and an order was made to confiscate that amount.
It was later discovered that he inherited a property worth £35,000 in 2005 but it was registered in another person's name.
A review by the Crown Office uncovered the hidden property and steps were taken to return the case to court.
Following protracted legal proceedings, a total of £36,213.17 has now been seized.
Speaking after a hearing on Monday, Lindsey Miller, Procurator Fiscal for Organised Crime and Counter-Terrorism, said: "In 2006, Rush was found to have made tens of thousands of pounds illegally.
"However, he only had enough assets available to repay just over £1,200 of that total.
"When we later uncovered further assets belonging to the accused, in this case the inheritance of a £35,000 property, we took steps to recoup the entirety of those funds back to the public purse.
"The Crown is absolutely dedicated to recovering money from those who seek to profit from crime. If the accused has spent all their illegally raised funds, then legitimate income can also be targeted to pay back the full benefit.
"The funds recovered will be provided to Scottish Ministers for use in local communities across Scotland."
The Crown added that should further assets be discovered in the future, they will seek to recover the remainder of Rush's illegal earnings.
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