Police claw back cash seized in Norwich drugs raid

As well as the drugs, concealed in a void behind an air vent, police seized more than £9,000 in cash found in a shoe box following a raid at a property in Constitution Hill in Norwich.

Albanian nationals Besmir Doci, 39, and Armir Cenaj, 24, were each jailed for two years last month after they both admitted drugs offences.

The pair were back at Norwich Crown Court on Wednesday for a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) Proceeds of crime refers to assets, funds and property gained through criminal activity and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has the power to confiscate them.

Martin Ivory, prosecuting, said the crown had considered its position and had taken the view the POCA provisions were not "strictly necessary" in this case.

But he said there would be an order for the deprivation of £9,663 in cash seized by police.

He also asked for the forfeiture and destruction of the cocaine found at the address.

Judge Alice Robinson granted the orders sought after Andrew Oliver, representing Cenaj, and Rob Pollington, for Doci, said they had no objections.

Besmir Doci (left) and Armir Cenaj (right) (Image: Norfolk Constabulary) As previously reported, drugs were found after Doci was stopped by police in Denmark Road, Norwich, prompting a search of the address where he had been staying in nearby Constitution Hill.

With the search in progress, on June 5 this year, Cenaj returned to the property and let himself in.

He had on him a quantity of cocaine as well as cash.

Doci, of no fixed abode, admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of criminal property, namely cash.

Cenaj, of no fixed abode, admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of criminal property.

Jailing the pair Judge Anthony Bate said they were involved in the "clandestine" supply of class A drugs.