Barrow drug dealers made more than £500,000 but only fraction will be recovered
Two Barrow drug dealers made more than £500,000 through crime, but only a small part of that money is currently available to be recovered.
A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at Preston Crown Court found that Ross Goodwin benefited by £403,824.24 from his criminal conduct.
His co-defendant Paul Maggs, 31, who is also known as Paul Stainton, was found to have benefited by £106,990.01.
Together, the pair gained more than £510,000.
Less than £19,000 currently available
Despite the large benefit figures, prosecutor Tanya Elahi told the court that only a small amount could currently be repaid.
Goodwin was found to have £1,370.90 available.
Maggs had £16,945 available to satisfy his confiscation order.
Her Honour Judge Kirsty-Ann Gunn ordered both amounts to be paid within 28 days.
The court also ordered the removal of designer watches, trainers and sunglasses belonging to Goodwin.
Financial investigators can continue searching for assets. If more money or property is found in the future, further action could be taken to recover it.
Pair jailed for more than 12 years combined
Goodwin and Maggs were previously jailed after an investigation by Westmorland and Furness’ Community Serious and Organised Crime Unit.
Police found that the pair had supplied large amounts of cocaine and cannabis in Barrow.
Goodwin received a prison sentence of seven years and six months.
Maggs was jailed for five years.
Their combined sentences totalled more than 12 years.
Kilogram of cocaine found in Barrow home
Police searched Maggs’ home on Longway, Barrow, on September 16, 2022.
Officers found:
- 1,000.74 grams of cocaine
- 1,420 grams of cannabis
The cocaine was estimated to be worth between £40,000 and £50,000 if sold in smaller street deals.
The cannabis was valued at around £15,000 if sold for £10 per gram.
Cash and drugs seized from Goodwin
Officers searched Goodwin’s address on July 7, 2023.
They found £16,625 in cash, drug equipment and further amounts of cocaine and cannabis.
Police also searched Maggs’ address that day.
Items recovered included Rolex, Gucci and Hublot watches, three pairs of Balenciaga trainers, Nike Air Jordans and Prada sunglasses.
Cash totalling £1,230 was found hidden inside candle holders on a mantelpiece. A further £130 was discovered in a bedroom.
Maggs ran ‘Spex’ drug line
At the pair’s sentencing hearing, the court heard that Maggs had operated a drug supply line known as “Spex”.
It ran between February 25, 2024, and May 15, 2025.
Prosecutors said Maggs had access to significant amounts of cocaine which were ready to be sold.
Bank records covering April 2023 to March 2025 showed that £50,895.06 entered an account through payments from other people.
A further £9,585 was paid into the account in cash.
The court was also told Maggs received £13,304.23 in benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions during the period.
Charges admitted by the pair
Goodwin admitted conspiracy to supply cannabis between September 1, 2022, and July 7, 2023.
He also pleaded guilty to possessing criminal property.
After a trial, he was convicted of being concerned in the supply of cocaine during the same period.
Maggs admitted conspiracy to supply cannabis, possessing criminal property and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
Police say drug trade harmed Barrow
Following the original sentencing, police said Maggs had run a prolific drug supply business in Barrow over several years.
The Community Serious and Organised Crime Unit said the group had trafficked kilogram quantities of cocaine and cannabis.
Officers said the operation had caused serious harm and reduced the quality of life in local communities.
Police added that they would continue using their investigative powers against people supplying drugs in Cumbria and those higher up the criminal network.
