A jailed cannabis grower from Norfolk is being ordered to repay his criminal earnings or face a further five years behind bars. 

Bruce Knowles made more than £150,000 from his criminal activity and was jailed for for three and a half years in 2021 after he pleaded guilty to the production of cannabis. 

In September 2020 officers conducted a warrant at an address in Marsham, near Aylsham, where they discovered a professional and sophisticated cannabis factory containing 354 plants at various stages of growth. 

Subsequent enquiries by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) found that the 52-year-old, of Great Heath Road, North Elmham, had made £152,567.85 from his criminal activities. 

Eastern Daily Press: The cannabis factory found in September 2020The cannabis factory found in September 2020 (Image: Norfolk Police)

ERSOU’s Financial Investigation Team later established he had acquired assets including banked cash, a Porsche 911 and cryptocurrency.

At a hearing at Norwich Crown Court on Wednesday, January 18, the court agreed with the amount and ordered Knowles to pay £16,764.53 – the amount he is deemed to currently have available – within six months or face a further five years in prison.

Investigators will also conduct enquiries to ensure that Knowles pays back the outstanding amount should he be able to do so in the future.

Financial investigation manager Jemima Cholmondeley-Smith, from ERSOU, said: “This was a lengthy and complex investigation into a man who was illegally producing cannabis on an industrial scale.

“Our financial investigators used their specialist skills and expertise to identify Knowles’ assets and ensure that he hands over his ill-gotten gains.

“We will continue to work to pursue those making money through illicit means across the region and, through Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) legislation, make sure that crime doesn’t pay.”