A MAN from Hereford who was jailed for producing cannabis has been ordered to pay back the proceeds of his crime or face more time in prison.

On June 8, 2023, officers executed a warrant at Hereford Coach and Commercial Refinishers at Glebe Farm and discovered cannabis being grown within the premises. 270 cannabis plants were recovered with a value of £93,700.

The owner of the business, Andrew Mannion, of Orchard Meadow, Lower Eggleton, entered a guilty plea to 2 counts of being concerned in the production of cannabis and on August 25, 2023, he was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment on count one and 6 months to run concurrently on count two.

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At a proceeds of crime hearing at Worcester Crown Court on November 19, the 62-year-old was instructed to payback the proceeds of his crime amounting to £97,009.44. If he doesn’t, he was told he would receive another 2-year custodial sentence.

Detective Inspector Dan Fenn, from the economic crime and cyber unit, said: “I hope this is a strong message to those who think being involved in the production of drugs that we will be relentless in pursuing illicit funds that have been made from illegal activity.

“I would like to commend the financial investigator who worked tirelessly on this investigation. It is a good example of how our team will not leave any stone unturned and will continue to protect our communities from further harm”.