Drug dealer ordered to repay criminal proceedings following confiscation hearing
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Detectives from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) have welcomed the outcome of confiscation proceedings against a Greater Manchester drug dealer, resulting in the recovery of criminal assets.
James Bury, 39, of Victoria Street, Westhoughton, was previously jailed for 10 years and six months at Preston Crown Court on 10 June 2025 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and possession with intent to supply controlled drugs.
A Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing has now concluded, with the court determining that Bury benefited from his criminality by £665,130. The court identified £49,133 in available assets, which it ordered to be confiscated. This included approximately £2,000 in cryptocurrency recovered by NWROCU investigators.
The investigation began in October 2024 when officers from the NWROCU's Taskforce Team identified the supply of controlled drugs through the UK postal network. Bury was linked to four parcels containing more than 2kg of cocaine, which were intercepted by Border Force officers in Northern Ireland.
He was arrested on 19 December 2024 at his home address. Searches of his property and a rented business premises in Burnley led to the seizure of further quantities of Class A, Class B and Class C drugs, providing additional evidence of his involvement in the supply operation.
Detective Constable Darren Gibson from the NWROCU's Economic Crime Unit said:
"Confiscation proceedings are an important part of our work to disrupt organised crime. Criminals are motivated by profit, and we are committed not only to securing convictions but also to recovering the money and assets gained through illegal activity.
"The court found that Bury had benefited significantly from his offending, and today's outcome demonstrates that crime does not pay.
"We will continue to use all available powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act to target offenders and remove the financial gains they have made through criminality."