Web Desk
An Abergavenny gym owner has been ordered to repay the profits he made from dealing cannabis after being caught speeding and arrested.
Elias Houston, 26, was pulled over last year for driving at 120mph on the A40 in his BMW.
During the stop, police discovered a mobile phone containing evidence of drug dealing and seized £6,500 in cash.
Houston admitted to being involved in the supply of cannabis and possessing criminal property.
When questioned, he initially denied selling drugs, telling officers, “I use drugs but I don’t supply them. I have friends who do.”
Prosecutor Rose Glanville described Houston as a “middle of the chain” dealer with direct contacts to suppliers. The offences took place between February 13 and March 2, 2023.
The court heard that Houston turned to drug dealing while expecting a child and facing financial struggles in his personal training business.
His representative, Tom Roberts, emphasized that Houston had no prior convictions and was a devoted father and partner.
“The pre-sentence report is overwhelmingly positive and demonstrates his genuine remorse,” Roberts told the court.
During his sentencing last November, Judge Recorder Andrew Hammond acknowledged that Houston had been “misguided” in his actions.
He imposed a 12-month community order and 150 hours of unpaid work.
Houston recently returned to court for a crime hearing.
Judge Richard Kember ruled that the £6,500 profit from his drug sales must be confiscated and repaid to the state within three months.
If he fails to comply, he faces three months in jail.
