A POLICE force has secured its highest confiscation order after a convicted drug dealer was forced to hand over more than £350,000.

David Black, from York, was found guilty of drug offences in March last year, and is serving a ten-year jail sentence.

York Crown Court yesterday ruled that Black had benefited by £354,500 through his crimes, and a judge ordered that he forfeit the full amount within six months.

If he fails to comply, he will serve an extra three-and-ahalf years in prison, and will still be liable to pay the money.

Detective Inspector Ian Wills, head of North Yorkshire Police’s financial investigation unit, said: “It sends a clear message to the criminal world that not only will they face the full force of the law, but we will use the Proceeds of Crime Act to hit them where it hurts the most – their pocket.”