Aspull: Man who hid cocaine in coffee tin ordered to pay up

Martin Bradshaw, 33, was jailed in February last year for three years and six months after admitting to possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.

Now, following a proceeds of crime act hearing this week at Bolton Crown Court he has been ordered to hand over a total of £51,667.88 that he made through his criminal activities.

Speaking after the case concluded, Detective Inspector Patrick Wood said: “We're pleased with today's result, and hopefully this sends a powerful message to those thinking they can get away with this type of offending, criminal actions have severe consequences.”

The case was heard at Bolton Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

Bradshaw, of Ashbourne Avenue, Aspull, had also originally pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance and facilitating the possession or acquisition of criminal property.

Bradshaw was arrested after being spotted driving his Mercedes Benz “erratically” on Scholes Avenue, Wigan on February 5 2020.

Police tried to stop him he drove away before abandoning his car, which was then seized, on Higher Lane, Aspull

The following day, officers returned to the compound where the car was being kept and forced entry to it due to intelligence that it was linked to the supply of illegal drugs.

Following a search, bank cards and a coffee tin containing cocaine were seized.

Two burner phones were also seized and these both contained details of drug supply.

On Sunday June 7, Bradshaw attended Wigan police Station and was arrested.

Following further investigations, detectives established that Bradshaw had bought a static caravan in Blackpool and a Mercedes Benz which were both subsequently seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

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DI Wood, of GMP's Wigan District Tasking Team, said: “We will continue to work diligently to remove criminal proceeds from the hands of those who seek to profit from it, and I'd like to thank the public for continuing to support our work by reporting and sharing information.

“If you see something, or suspect something is wrong, tell us, and we can do something about it."

Anyone with any information or concerns about drug crime in their communities can call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, witnesses can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.