The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
More time is given to untangle joiner’s cocaine trade finances
Man accused of making more than £600,000 from drug operation
A Tayside grandfather accused of making over £600,000 profit from the cocaine trade has had a proceeds of crime action against him delayed while prosecutors try to untangle the complex web of properties he owns.
The Crown’s bid to recoup drug profits from Dean Moir was put off yesterday until March to allow more time for his finances to be investigated.
Prosecutors allege that Moir, of Perth, who was also running a joinery business, made £620,371 profit from dealing cocaine during a six-year period.
They are immediately claiming the return of £372,221 which they believe is “recoverable” from Moir’s estate, which is understood to include a number of properties.
Solicitor David Holmes, defending, said it was a “complex” matter which involved “properties in his name which were purchased prior to 2000.”
Mr Holmes said: “It is a more complex than usual case. We have to carry on through our own forensic examiner in relation to the properties.”
Moir is serving three years in jail which was imposed earlier this year when he admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
The court heard how the selfemployed joiner threw a frying pan of cocaine into a sink when police raided his drugs factory.
Moir and his sidekick Paul Hannigan were caught red-handed cutting the Class A drug with caffeine and other substances to maximise their profits.
The raid was carried out at the home of Hannigan and he was also jailed for three years when the pair admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
Sheriff William Wood said: “You were involved in creating the product which ends up on the streets. This is a serious charge. It is a significant and sophisticated part of the operation.”