Norfolk taxi driver told to pay back £200k over drug dealing

Anthony Clinton, 61, was jailed for five years and seven months last year after his arrest near Wymondham in October 2022.

Police discovered huge quantities of the powerful horse tranquilliser and anaesthetic that has become an increasingly popular recreational drug with a street value of between £630,000 and £840,000.

READ MORE: Norfolk taxi driver caught with £500,000 of drugs on A11

His arrest led to a search of his home at Cromes Place in Badersfield that saw further drug seizures worth tens of thousands of pounds at his home including cocaine, cannabis and Methylmethcathinone (MMC).

Appearing back at Norwich Crown Court having been brought from prison, he faced a proceeds of crime application for the seizure of his property and cash.

Recorder Nicola Fitches approved a confiscation order requiring him to pay back £209,361 within six months.

She warned him he faced an additional two years in prison if he failed to comply with the order. 

Clinton who is serving five years eight months for drugs supply has ben ordered to pay back £210,000 (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

Matthew McNiff, for Clinton, had sought to persuade the court that parts of the calculation of how much he had benefited from his drug dealing had been “flawed, inappropriate and unfair”.

But Richard Potts, representing the police, said: “The value of the drugs is not assumed it is the result of criminal conduct.” 

READ MORE: Norfolk detective's vow after ketamine swoop on A11

Clinton had admitted two counts of possession with intent to supply ketamine, two counts of possession with intent to supply cannabis and an offence of possession with intent to supply MMC, a class B drug.

At his initial sentencing the court was told he had not been "living the high life" as a result of his involvement in dealing.

But Judge Katharine Moore said he had used his "veneer of respectability" as a taxi driver to give him the opportunity to supply drugs.