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Drug dealer Karl Smith, from Walderslade, forced to sell homes and weapons

A drugs baron who made nearly £500,000 from his illegal deals will now have to sell two houses to pay some of it back.

Rolex-wearing dealer Karl Smith will have to put his prize collection of shotguns and weapons up for sale as well.

But the flashy watch won’t go under the hammer because it has gone "missing", a judge has been told.

The case was heard at Canterbury Crown Court
The case was heard at Canterbury Crown Court

Smith, 43, was arrested in January 2015 after officers raided a property in Alexandra Glen, Walderslade.

There they found firearms, cars and jewellery – and nearly £400,00 in cash.

At another property in Rumstead Lane, Hucking, police seized a large quantity of drugs including MDMA and cannabis.

He was later sentenced to nine years in jail after admitting a variety of drug dealing offences.

Magistrates immediately confiscated £378,000 in cash but now he has been ordered to pay another £273,693 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The woman was asked to buy two Rolex watches from Bluewater. Stock image.
The woman was asked to buy two Rolex watches from Bluewater. Stock image.

Those are the estimated assets of selling the two houses and the gun collection – and if he fails to cough up within three months he faces another four years inside in default – unless a judge grants an extension to pay.

Prosecutor Tony Prosser explained that because Smith had been convicted of serious offences, he is no longer entitled to hold a gun licence.

A specialist police unit – with the necessary powers – will now be drafted in to collect, store and then sell the weapons.

Smith was brought from jail to attend the 10 minute hearing at Canterbury Crown Court and later returned to continue his sentence.

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