'Family-led' crime gang ordered to pay back £66k in ill-gotten gains

Members of a 'family-led' organised crime gang involved in widespread drug-dealing have been ordered to pay back more than £66,000 of their ill-gotten gains, police have revealed.

A judge ruled the OCG profited from crime under the Proceeds of Crime Act following an 'extensive' investigation by Greater Manchester Police's financial investigation team. The exact sum was set at £66,026.94. Following the hearing at Manchester Crown Court on Wednesday, police said they would 'forfeit' the money so it can be re-invested into community projects, including those aimed at deterring young people from committing crime.

Three men and two women - all from Salford - were jailed in February 2021.

A court heard Samantha Cox, 32, of Littleton Road, Salford, ran the Miami Glow beauty salon on Littleton Road, which had a 'modest turnover'. But she was said to enjoy 'luxury' items including expensive cars and designer clothes through her involvement in drug dealing, being seen driving a Range Rover and later, a Porsche Macan worth about £50,000.

Cox admitted conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine, and of converting criminal property, and was jailed for five years, five months.

Her former partner Lee Worthington, 39, of Rockley Gardens, Salford, admitted money laundering. The court heard he helped to launder drug money, using associates he knew from jail, and was jailed for three years and five months.

Darren Horrocks, 52, of Valencia Road, Salford, was said to hold a 'managerial role'. He was convicted of conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine and was jailed for six years and 10 months.

Street dealer Joanna Zblewska ,44, of Mulberry Court, Salford, admitted the same charge and was jailed for six years and six months.

Chris