A long-serving soldier and former police officer who raked in more than £1 million after running a cannabis factory protected by weapons at his Eden home has been ordered to pay back around a tenth of his ill-gotten gains.
David Allen, now 69, was caught in the act after police were alerted to the drug’s pungent smell emanating from a farm just 100 metres away from the primary school in Calthwaite, near Penrith.
Officers went to the small holding in July, 2020, and found Allen had been involved in the continuous commercial production of cannabis at the property.
A search revealed a professional grow of 80 plants and the use of high end, specialist equipment designed to maximise yield.
There were sophisticated timer lamps, heaters and a working industrial ventilation system. A prosecutor told Carlisle Crown Court there were weapons present, including a crossbow and air rifles found in strategic positions ready to protect the cannabis farm.
It was estimated that between the potential wholesale value of the drug yield could have been £50,400 and £336,000. One detective described the operation as one of the most carefully constructed and sophisticated set-ups he had ever seen.
A financial probe of Allen’s personal and bank accounts identified unexplained cash deposits approaching £500,000 to an ex-partner in the Philippines.
Allen — a former PC who served with Northumbria Police in the 1990s and had 24 years’ military service — admitted charges relating to cannabis production and criminal cash.
He was handed a 43-month jail term but has since been released from custody. But Allen was back at the crown court today for a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing with police seeking to claw back cash after painstakingly trawling through his finances.
Recorder Kate Bex QC, who had sentenced Allen, heard behind-the-scenes financial discussions had been resolved.
Allen was found to have benefited from his illegal activity to the tune of £1,211,135.90. His available assets were agreed to be £102,059.14, and are said to include £12,000 cash seized from Allen and the value of a car.
“The Crown seek a confiscation order in that amount (£102,059.14),” said prosecutor Alaric Walmsley. “The Crown also seek forfeiture and destruction of drugs and drugs paraphernalia.”
Allen’s barrister, Michael Davies, said of the defendant: “He has served a period of imprisonment. This is a completely different matter.”
Recorder Bex ordered Allen, now of Dalston, near Carlisle, to hand over the agreed assets within three months, or face a 12-month jail term in default.
