Sheriff orders dealer to hand over £31,000 found with cache of drugs

A CONVICTED drug dealer has forfeited £31,280 under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 by order of Sheriff Mackie at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

The cash was found hidden with controlled drugs during a police search of Mariano Colsa Gonzalez's Edinburgh address on October 2, 2009. The officers found cannabis worth approximately £5000, a quantity of cocaine, items associated with drug dealing and an imitation firearm.

Gonzalez claimed that he was a student and that he worked as a part-time waiter. He was unable or unwilling to account for the cash.

Prior to the cash forfeiture proceedings, Gonzalez had been convicted on indictment of being concerned in the supply of cannabis and had been ordered to carry out 250 hours of community service.

Lothian and Borders Police Assistant Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “Mario Gonzales made his money through illegal activity including drug dealing and intimidation, causing misery and suffering for other people.”