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Couple stashed drugs money in gym

Richard and Georgina Green ran the Pain and Gain bodybuilding workshop in Barnstaple

A couple have been sentenced for stashing more than £50,000 of illegal drugs money in the boiler cupboard of their North Devon gym.

Richard and Georgina Green, who ran the Pain and Gain bodybuilding workshop in Barnstaple, were found guilty of possession of steroids with intent to supply and concealing criminal property following a trial at Exeter Crown Court in July. 

Richard Green, aged 48, of King Street, Barnstaple, was also found guilty by a jury of possession of cocaine with intent to supply. 

He admitted possession of MDMA (ecstasy) with intent to supply and possessing £2,300 in criminal property and was sentenced on Thursday 5 September to four and a half years in prison.

Georgina Green, aged 41, of the same address, was given a 12 month sentence, suspended for one year. 

Renowned bodybuilder Nathan De Asha had previously admitted supplying steroids to the Greens. 

De Asha, aged 33, of Liverpool, will be sentenced later this month.

The convictions are the result of an intelligence-led day of police action - as part of Operation Lime - which saw drugs warrants executed in Barnstaple on 24 August 2017. 

Richard Green was arrested in his car with more than 300 ecstasy tablets and £2,300 of cash from drugs supply offences. 

Georgina Green was arrested at her home address where cocaine and money lists were found.

Officers searched the Pain and Gain gym and found more than £56,000 in the boiler cupboard, whilst a cash counting machine and a large quantity of steroids were also seized from the premises. An ounce of cocaine was also discovered in a lock-up. 

De Asha was interviewed at a later date.   

Case officer investigator Clive Watson said: “The Greens were involved in the organised supply of drugs to residents of North Devon.

“Dismantling of their crime group will mean the community will be a safer place.”

Detective Sergeant Alex Bingham said: “Today’s convictions demonstrate our commitment, through Operation Lime, to tackling drug supply and reducing drug-related crime in Devon and Cornwall. 

“Devon and Cornwall Police will not tolerate any illegal drug activity and we will continue to take positive and robust action on behalf of the local community against anyone involved in large-scale drug supply and organised crime.

“The sentences passed today send a clear message to others involved in the supply of controlled drugs. 

“We take the offence of drug supply very seriously, because of the harm it causes some of the most vulnerable members of our community.  Positive action like Op Lime means our streets are safer as a result.”

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