A MAN who made more than £100,000 from a cannabis factory has been ordered to pay up £35,000 or face a further 15 months in prison.

Howard Williams, of Pennyhill Farm, Hillside, Martley, near Worcester, was jailed for two years when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court in June last year where he admitted conspiring with others to produce 496 cannabis plants between May and August 2011.

West Mercia Police applied for a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act, that was granted at Worcester Crown Court on Monday.

The court heard Williams had benefited by £101,816 from his criminal activity and the judge granted a confiscation order for £35,000 - the amount available for recovery. Williams was told the full amount must be paid by November 1 or he would serve a further 15 months in prison.

Patrick Kelly, from West Mercia’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit,said Williams operated a car dealership in Moseley Road, Birmingham, at the time of his offences, but he had since ceased trading and the business had been rented out.

He said: “People arrested for drug offences can expect to be investigated and ordered to pay back any available money considered to be proceeds of their crimes.

“Tackling illegal drug activity is a priority for West Mercia Police. This was a serious case as shown by the two-year sentence imposed. The defendant will now serve a further lengthy spell behind bars unless the pays back £35,000 by November.

“We are determined to clamp down on those involved with drugs and associated criminal activity.”

Mr Kelly urged members of the public to call police on 101 if they have any information which might assist officers.

Details can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers by phoning on 0800 555111.