AN Oldbury man, jailed for just over four years for production and possession of cannabis with intent to supply, has been ordered to pay over £21,000 or face a longer spell in prison.

Carl Berry, 52, from Primrose Bank, Oldbury, was sentenced for the drug offences at Wolverhampton Crown Court on July 3, 2014.

West Midlands Police who led the investigation into the drug offences, have now successfully applied for a confiscation order against Berry for £21,018,56. 

He reappeared before Wolverhampton Crown Court on Monday, September 28, and was given three months to pay-up or face a further 12 months imprisonment.

DC Yvonne Barwani from the economic crime team said: “It was found that Mr Berry had financially benefited from his crime and after checking through his financial records we discovered he had equity in both the properties he owned. 

“Mr Berry tried to put one up for sale but we placed a restraint on his finances to prevent the sale. 

“The Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) allows us to recover money and assets gained by offenders through their criminal activity after they have been sentenced at court.

“If Mr Berry doesn’t pay the money he owes within three months, he will have another 12 months added to the prison sentence he is currently serving. The debt will not be wiped until he has paid it."

Money collected is invested back into the community, assisting local projects and initiatives.