A NEW Forest footballer caught dealing cannabis has had more than £10,000 of illgotten assets confiscated under a court order.

Jude Nwachukwu was caught with a large bag of the Class-B drug when officers pulled over his Dodge at a set of traffic lights in Southampton.

During a subsequent search of Nwachukwu’s home, police also found more than £8,000 in cash in a lock-box.

The 25-year-old, who played for Brockenhurst FC last season, was given a two year suspended sentence at Southampton Crown Court in March. Now Nwachukwu has had a total of £10,900 worth of assets confiscated under a legal power – known as the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The act gives authorities, such as the police, the power to confiscate assets gained through criminal activity.

On Friday, Southampton Crown Court heard how Nwachukwu’s total benefit, the financial advantage obtained from his criminal conduct, was more than £42,000.

The court was told the available amount, the amount of Nwachukwu’s realisable assets, was just under £11,000.

Prosecutor Gemma White said police had already seized a total of £9,300 following Nwachukwu’s arrest. She said this would leave Nwachukwu, who is currently unemployed, to pay the remaining £1,600.

The court heard that if Nwachukwu did not pay the money in three months, he faced a six month prison sentence.

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, Nwachukwu was given a two year sentence, suspended for two years, at Southampton Crown Court earlier this year.

Southampton Crown Court previously heard how Nwachukwu’s Dodge was spotted by police on Romsey Road in Southampton.

Prosecuting, Jane Rowley said officers pulled over Nwachukwu’s vehicle in the early hours of Ma y 12 last year.

They reported a “strong smell” of cannabis coming from the car.

On searching the vehicle police found a large bag, containing a number of small bags of the Class B drug. Officers later searched his rented accommodation, on Burlington Road, Southampton, and found more cannabis.

The total amount seized had a street value of just over £10,000, Ms Rowley said.

Police also found a safe box, containing more than £8,000 in cash, as well as an “extensive” list of drug paraphernalia, such as scales, deal bags and cannabis stems. A number of mobile phones, containing what were described as “drug dealing” texts, were also discovered.

Nwachukwu pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply. Following his conviction, Brockenhurst FC, said they had suspended Nwachukwu. The Daily Echo contacted Brockenhurst FC to find out if Nwachukwu was still with the Wessex League side, however the club, who play their football at Grigg Lane, did not respond.