High Court action to seize drugs baron assets
High Court action has begun to seize the assets of a Nottinghamshire drugs baron who was jailed for his part in a money laundering operation.
John Dawes, of Tudor Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, was given a 24-year-jail term at Nottingham Crown Court in 2005.
He was found guilty of conspiracy to supply heroin and amphetamines and money laundering.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has now started High Court action to strip Dawes of his assets.
The ringleader was given a £355,000 confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act but prosecutors were having trouble recovering the assets.
As well as cash and endowment policies, officers are trying to seize the Dawes' family home and a large static caravan in Skegness.
CPS lawyers told Judge Rabinder Singh QC the investigation encompassed "a number of properties" currently the subject of restraining orders, preventing their sale.
A High Court enforcement hearing has now been set for the end of November.