Louis Edwards, the mastermind behind a multi-million pound cocaine operation in Hampshire, has been ordered to surrender £45,000 worth of criminal assets. The 46-year-old from Waterlooville was previously jailed for 18 years and five months at Winchester Crown Court.
Edwards, formerly of Churchill Close in Waterlooville, received his lengthy prison sentence on 5 September 2023 after a comprehensive five-year police investigation. The case involved his extradition from Spain back to the UK.
The convicted drug dealer had previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine across Portsmouth and surrounding areas, as well as conspiring to transfer criminal property involving approximately £3.5 million in cash movements.
The criminal activities occurred between March 2018 and May 2020, during which Edwards’ gang members played crucial roles in transporting cash and drugs on his behalf.
Throughout the investigation led by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, police confiscated approximately £300,000 in cash, over 70kg of cocaine valued at more than £7 million on the streets, and over 20kg of amphetamine.
Edwards along with 12 other members of the criminal organisation received sentences for their involvement in the conspiracy, totalling 76 years of imprisonment.
The criminals utilised encrypted mobile phones for their operations, with Edwards discovered to have ordered multiple kilograms of cocaine during April and May 2020 through EncroChat – an encrypted messaging service that was compromised by law enforcement in 2020.
In an attempt to avoid prosecution, Edwards escaped to Spain in October 2020 but was tracked down in Benidorm in June 2022 before being extradited back to the UK.
Before fleeing the country, Edwards spent his illegal profits on a new vehicle, designer items, and a luxury holiday to Dubai.
A Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2002 Confiscation Hearing was held at Winchester Crown Court on 8 July this year, where it was established that Edwards personally benefited from his criminal activities to the value of £2,884,995.99.
Following an extensive investigation by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Financial Investigation Unit, it was determined that Edwards currently possesses £45,801 in assets, comprising:
- £713.00 in cash
- £5,088.00 in designer clothing, bags and footwear
- £40,000.00 in equity
The court has mandated that Edwards repay this full amount within three months. Failure to comply will result in an additional two-year prison sentence to be served consecutively with his current term.
Detective Superintendent Nick Plummer commented: “Edwards’ conspiracy in the eastern part of the county was substantial, sophisticated and operated at an extremely high level. The volumes of cash and drugs involved were remarkable, with Edwards obtaining import-grade cocaine from a major national supplier.
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“Hampshire’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit worked meticulously to connect all elements of the investigation to identify the key individuals involved in this conspiracy and ultimately secure their prosecution.
“However, our efforts to disrupt this organised crime group extended beyond initial arrests. A follow-up investigation headed by Financial Investigator Linsey Haupt was launched to establish the financial extent of Edwards’ criminal enterprise and confiscate any assets acquired through illegal activities.
“Edwards’ personal financial gain from his criminality was enormous, and it is satisfying to see that all assets currently identified in his possession have been ordered for confiscation.
“We remain committed to pursuing organised criminals relentlessly to eliminate the drug menace from our streets, safeguard vulnerable and exploited individuals, and enhance community safety.
“Our work will continue, and I encourage anyone in our communities with information about drug dealing in their area to contact police so we can develop a comprehensive understanding and take action against those responsible for causing misery to others.”
