Two drug dealers who supplied cocaine across Sunderland ordered to pay back more than £300,000

Two drug dealers who were jailed in 2020 for supplying cocaine across Wearside have been ordered to pay back more than £300,000.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Kenneth Hunter and his associate William Trott were jailed for a combined total of 14 years in May 2020 after a long-running police investigation that identified them as central figures in a plot to supply cocaine and amphetamine.

Police uncovered the pair’s drug empire when disqualified driver Trott was caught behind the wheel of a car in Shiney Row.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A search of his home followed the arrest where detective discovered two kilos of cocaine and 12 kilos of amphetamine.

Kenneth Hunter (left) and William Trott were both jailed in May 2020.Kenneth Hunter (left) and William Trott were both jailed in May 2020.
Kenneth Hunter (left) and William Trott were both jailed in May 2020.

Following their sentencing, an investigation into their finances was launched and in 2022, two hearing rules that both men had significantly benefited from their crimes.

On February 11, Trott, formerly of Hedworth Terrace, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court where a judge issued a benefit order totalling £77,940 with £3,470 set as the available amount.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Hunter, formerly of St Paul’s Drive in Houghton, appeared on February 25 and was issued with a benefit order of £241,653 with £24,800 set as the available amount.

Hunter had a speedboat seized by police during their investigation.Hunter had a speedboat seized by police during their investigation.
Hunter had a speedboat seized by police during their investigation.

It also means that whenever they come into money in the future, their benefit orders will be revisited until the amounts are paid in full.

Detective Sergeant Amber Renton from Northumbria Police’s Crime department commented that “crime does not pay” and hopes it will send a strong message to others.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She said: “As part of our commitment to tackling serous and organised crime as part of Operation Sentinel, we will continue to pursue offenders after they’ve been convicted to make sure they are stripped of any ill-gotten gains under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Detectives discovered two kilos of cocaine and 12 kilos of amphetamine.Detectives discovered two kilos of cocaine and 12 kilos of amphetamine.
Detectives discovered two kilos of cocaine and 12 kilos of amphetamine.
Read More
Accountant tried to steal more than £73,000 in VAT fraud

“This result sends a strong and clear message to those involved in drug supply - crime does not pay.

“I hope this shows our hardworking communities that those breaking the law and living in big houses, driving expensive cars or funnelling cash made in illicit ways will not get away with it.”

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today.

Cars were also seized from Hunter under the Proceeds of Crime Act.Cars were also seized from Hunter under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Cars were also seized from Hunter under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Enjoy unlimited access to all of our news and sport, see fewer ads, experience faster load times, test your brain with daily puzzles and get access to exclusive newsletters.

Your support for our journalism means we can continue telling Sunderland’s stories for generations to come. Click here to subscribe - and click here to get a snapshot of the Echo’s news and sport to your inbox through our email newsletters.