A convicted drug dealer has been ordered to forfeit more than £36,000 of unlawful earnings.

Steven Bayes was arrested on Tuesday, September 15, 2015, by officers on patrol in Five Oak Green Road, Tonbridge.

The policemen had become suspicious of a Peugeot van parked in front of a gate leading to an orchard.

A search of the vehicle uncovered a number of cannabis blocks, a bag of cocaine, and £36,280 cash.

A warrant was issued for the 58-year-old's Wallington address, where police uncovered more controlled drugs.

The drugs seized had a potential street value of £90,000.

Bayes was sentenced to seven years imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, February 5.

He pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply, as well as possession of MDMA and possession of criminal property.

Kent Police applied to Maidstone Magistrates' Court for the cash seized to be forfeit on Tuesday, August 16.

Half of the money will go to the Home Office, and the remaining money will be given to Kent Police to be invested into policing.

Chief Inspector Dave Pate, district commander for Tunbridge Wells, said: "This successful application under the Proceeds of Crime Act means that Bayes will be unable to profit from his ill-gotten gains.

"The money had been gained from an illegal industry that has a detrimental impact on the communities we serve. Now it can be used to help improve the service we give to the people of Kent."