A Maidstone man behind a £26 million cannabis growing conspiracy has been ordered to pay a sum to police.

Michael Corcoran was one of 14 people who farmed "industrial quantities" of cannabis in seven factories, including some in Gravesend, Sittingbourne, Rochester and North Walsham in Norfolk.

Corcoran, 53, from Mount Avenue, Yalding was described as the "mastermind" of the operation when he was jailed for 14 years in 2017.

Last Friday, Corcoran was ordered to pay £351,822 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Det Insp Annie Clayton of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: "Our financial investigators go above and beyond to ensure people are not allowed to benefit from the proceeds of crime, and these two fantastic outcomes are testament to their hard work and dedication.

"The Proceeds of Crime Act is an invaluable piece of legislation that means people who make an unlawful living are not allowed to continue to benefit after a criminal investigation has concluded.

"I hope these two results send a clear message that if you have money or assets linked to illegal activity, we will find out and we will take it from you."

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