A DRUG dealer who was jailed for eight years for running a County Lines drugs network in Basingstoke has been ordered to pay back more then £400,000 after earning thousands through his criminal enterprise. 

As previously reported, Bradley Bardowell was involved in the running of the Class A drugs network, known as the G-Man line.

The conspiracy, which involved the supply of heroin and cocaine in the town, was said to have been in operation from April 2018 to May 2019.

Bardowell, from Hounslow, fled the country in May 2019 but was located in Norway in December 2022.

He was extradited back to the UK and sentenced to eight years at Salisbury Crown Court on Tuesday, September 5, last year.

READ MORE: Man jailed after running drugs network in Basingstoke

He pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in Basingstoke between April 2018 and May 2019.

He also admitted to two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in Hounslow between October 2018 and December 2019.

A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing was held at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, March 15, which determined to what monetary extent Bardowell benefitted from his offending. 

Judge Timothy Mousley KC concluded the convicted drug dealer must pay back £489,383,30 or serve a four-year prison sentence if he does not pay. 

The drugs network was busted after two members of the gang were stopped by police near Tewkesbury Close in Basingstoke on December 9, 2018. 

Chief Inspector Scott Johnson, Basingstoke’s District Commander, previously said: “This sentencing highlights that our officers will do everything in their power to ensure Basingstoke is not targeted by violent drugs networks.

SEE ALSO: Eight arrests made during Basingstoke drug crackdown

“The case was built over many years and it demonstrates the relentless pursuit of those who seek to make money from such an evil trade."

Bardowell was not present during the hearing.

Twelve other members of the drugs gang have been sentenced for their involvement in the conspiracy.

It brings the total sentence for all parties involved in the drugs network to more than 60 years.

Eight of them were sentenced on August 28, 2020, to a total of 36 years in custody after admitting their roles in the 'slick, professional and extensive' Class A drugs network operating in Basingstoke.

One of them was also sentenced after being caught with a cocked and loaded sawn off shotgun in public after being stopped by police officers.