Financial Investigation Unit successfully applied to Chorley Magistrates' Court to have £14,175 forfeited by Martin Gowan, 44, of Great Meadow, Astley Village.
Gowan used to run the Rose and Crown pub in St Thomas's Road, Chorley, and was also a well-known karaoke DJ.He was arrested by police on May 7, 2008, and later pleaded guilty to possessing a Class A drug and intent to supply cocaine.Gowan also admitted a lesser charge of possessing cannabis resin.In Feburary he was jailed for 18 months and his fall from grace was completed when he had to forfeit £14,175 under the Proceeds of Crime Act, half of which was returned to Lancashire Constabulary.Tests revealed the cash recovered was heavily contaminated with cocaine.Insp Alison Harris, who co-ordinated the raid on Gowan's home last May, said: "This conviction is really good news for the community in Astley Village. Last year's raids were conducted with intelligence from the local community and it shows the good results we can achieve when the police and local people work together."Let this be a reminder to people that neither the police nor the courts will tolerate drugs and the supply of drugs in our neighbourhoods."Gowan's role at the Rose and Crown is unclear although he's said to have taken over the running of the pub from the previous owner last year.Although he never officially applied to change the licence into his name, revellers say he was a permanent fixture behind the bar and on the turntables as the resident karaoke DJ.A spokesman for Scottish and Newcastle brewery, which is responsible for the pub said: "In respect of the Rose and Crown, I can confirm that Mr Gowan has no involvement with the pub and has been banned from the premises by the current licence holder."
