A 45-year-old man from Hedge End has been sentenced to six years in prison for drug supply and fraud offenses dating back to 2010. James Alexander Green, of Berrywood Gardens, was found guilty after a five-week trial at Southampton Crown Court on multiple counts.
The charges against Green include:
- Supplying cannabis between January 1, 2010, and June 1, 2019
- Conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation from January 1, 2010, to August 30, 2010
- Transferring criminal property (money) from May 31, 2010, to October 30, 2015
- Concealing criminal property, including £341,547 in cash, silver ingots, and watches
- Possessing Class B drugs with intent to supply on June 11, 2019
A second defendant, 45-year-old Paul Green from Surrey, was found guilty of converting criminal property and conspiracy to commit fraud. He received a sentence of 26 months in prison.
Detective Constable David Thomas from the South East Cyber Crime Unit highlighted the collaborative efforts between law enforcement and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in securing the convictions. The investigation began in November 2018 during an illicit tobacco operation in Southampton, which led to the discovery of a storage facility rented by James Green.
Upon accessing the facility, authorities recovered £341,547 in cash, silver ingots, and other assets. Initially, James Green claimed the money came from his work as a life coach. However, drug testing revealed high levels of cannabis in the cash.
Further investigations led to a raid on Green’s home on June 11, 2019, where police found 1.9 kg of herbal cannabis, along with evidence of drug supply and fraudulent financial records. Yearly diaries submitted to his accountant contained false claims about life coach appointments and earnings.
Evidence also revealed that at least £166,000 in criminal funds was used to pay off a mortgage early.
Detective Constable Thomas emphasized the significance of this case, stating, “This shows the brilliant results that joint-working can achieve. I am delighted to see these two men placed behind bars for a substantial period of time.” He added that the case serves as a warning to others considering similar offenses that they will face consequences.
Prior to the trial, James Green had pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply the 1.9 kg of cannabis and money laundering regarding the £351,000 found in the storage facility. Police are now pursuing confiscation and forfeiture proceedings to recover the proceeds of crime.