Property developer with double life sprints away from questions after making 32 | UK | News [Video]

Convicted drug dealer sprints away from reporter

A property developer who pocketed more than £320,000 from an illicit drug operation will only have to repay less than a sixth of his ill-gotten wealth. Matthew Cleary and his partner in crime Mikel Kujtila were implicated in cannabis factories across Cardiff, Wales, in a conspiracy believed to involve more than 100kg of the Class B drug.

Cardiff Crown Court was told that Cleary, 35, resided in a “high-spec” home boasting large flat-screen TVs in most rooms and luxury watches valued up to £40,000. He relished golfing at the Algarve’s posh Monte Rei club and had accumulated a collection of high-end clothing and trainers.

However, his wealth wasn’t solely derived from his property business which, he later confessed, only brought him around £35,000 annually.

Cleary’s involvement in a drug ring was uncovered by the police and in December 2022, he was slapped with a 32-month prison sentence for conspiring to supply …