A MAN involved in running a drug network has been ordered to pay back thousands of pounds.

Kieran Rainford was arrested in the Fareham area in connection with a drug line running between Surrey and the Isle of Wight.

The 39-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and heroin at Southampton Crown Court on November 24 last year.

A police investigation revealed that Rainford, of Cressall Close in Leatherhead, Surrey, was in charge of five phones which he used to send out marketing messages to drug users on the Island, in addition to his own personal phone.

During the investigation, officers were able to link Rainford to the ‘Mikey’ County Lines drug network.

He was jailed for five and a half years on January 14 this year at Newport Crown Court for his involvement in the supply Class A drugs between November 19, 2019, and February 15, 2021.

Rainford has now been ordered to pay back thousands of pounds made from his criminal activities.

Following a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing at Newport Crown Court, he also had his "extensive collection" of designer trainers seized and destroyed.

Newport Crown Court heard that Rainford benefitted to the tune of £68,662.18 from his involvement in the drugs supply line.

A Confiscation Order for the money was raised, and it was determined that Rainford currently has £9,756.15 available to him which he must pay within the next three months.

A spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary said: "Under the Confiscation Order, police and the courts can apply to seize further money and assets from Rainford in the future until the full £68k benefit has been paid off.

"Tackling County Lines drug supply and the associated harm is a priority for us.

"We encourage anyone who has information about the supply of drugs in their area to report this to police so we can develop a strong intelligence picture and take action.

"You can call us on 101, or submit information via our website: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ "Alternatively, you can make a report 100% anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

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