A CONVICTED drug dealer has been ordered to hand over nearly �2,500 of his criminal proceeds – or go to jail.

Philip Petas was convicted of being concerned in the supply of class B drugs back in November. He received a suspended prison sentence.

However, investigators have since been examining his financial dealings, and a judge at Bristol Crown Court this week ordered him to forfeit �2,405 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

This is money which prosecutors say he made through illegal activity.

The 22-year-old has been given six months to pay it, or will go to jail for 21 days – and still be required to pay upon release.

Dr Kirstie Congram, of Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s Financial Investigation Unit, said: “I hope this result reassures local residents that crime does not pay.

“One in seven people knows someone living off the proceeds of crime. You could have the key piece of the jigsaw, so please report any suspicions by calling our new non-emergency number, on 101.”