Police are taking action against a suspected cannabis dealer

Cleveland Police is using part of �17,000, confiscated under special powers from a convicted drug dealer, to finance an action against a suspected cannabis dealer.

Some �2,000 of the seized cash is being used to finance action against the suspected dealer, who was caught with �25,000 in cash.

Police hope they will be able to apply for that cash to be confiscated - and used to finance more operations against dealers on Teesside.

It is one of only a few cases in the north-east of England, where assets have been taken under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

The Act allows for cash over �10,000 to be seized if it is thought the money has come from, or is intended for use in crime.

The prosecution followed a raid last year, where the money found was deemed to be profits made from selling heroin and cocaine.

Drug dealing profits

Detective Sergeant Paul Templeman of Middlesbrough Drug Squad said: "We are doing exactly what the government wants - hitting drugs dealers, taking their ill-gotten gains and using it to finance more anti-drugs operations.

"Last year's operation in Middlesbrough took out a major player in the area and his drug dealing profits are helping us continue the fight against drug crime.

"Ironically criminals are now funding police operations."

Cleveland Police have set up a dedicated Financial Investigation Unit, which is committed to asset confiscation and officers are now issued with laminated cards, highlighting key points to consider when dealing with suspects.

Officers are trained to look at suspects' lifestyles and consider if they exceed their means and are financed on the proceeds of crime.

Councillor Ken Walker, chairman of Cleveland Police Authority added: "We have consistently stressed the need to hit criminals where it hurts them most - in their pockets - and it is even more pleasing when their money can be used to continue the fight against the drugs trade."